Author Description

The result of their collaboration is seen in "The Panther Woman," a performer's view of her exciting and exhausting life on the road; "Turbulent Years," the recollections of a political activity, imprisoned during World War II, who went on to become a leader in building a socialist society in East Germany; "A Bathtub Full of Whipped Cream," the life of a historian, working as a public official in charge of parks and museums, who speaks of the difficulties and ideological conflicts in the East German government; "Swimming the Relay," the humorous account of a commercial manager's random education, professional choices, and frustrated love life; and "Twins,," a young mother's description of her life at home and at the factory. These are contemporary women rarely heard from, revealing themselves in their individual concerns and distinctive speech patterns. In a new afterword to this English edition, Sarah Kirsch describes how she developed the intimate form of The Panther Woman.