In translating this story I've made every effort to preserve Christiane's unique perspective and tone. Christiane has a biting, cynical wit that is still typical of many young Berliners (and which becomes especially prominent in the face of various authority figures), and it is my hope that the updated slang will help to hone the edge that is present in a lot of her commentary. In an effort to give a better sense of Christiane's surroundings, we've added footnotes about many of the locations, and also provided additional information about some especially German expressions and institutions. In all of my translation choices I have worked to maintain not only the tone of Christiane's voice, but also its vitality.
This book has a very strong hold on me personally. As a teenager in the 1970's I spent a lot of time in Berlin, and I remember well what life was like in Berlin as a divided city. I know most of the locations mentioned in the book, and visited them at roughly the same time that Christiane did (although under very different circumstances). As a single parent, I can also sympathize with Christiane's mother's frustration, anxiety, and fear. I have a teenage son myself, and this book made me think more deeply about his daily life, and pay closer attention to his own set of trials. I think I've become a more compassionate listener as a result of the time I've spent with Christiane.
Despite the measures that have been taken against teenage drug use and child prostitution in Germany and in the United States, these are still very real problems. And it goes without saying that, when it comes to peer pressure, alcoholism, depression, and familial strife, today's teenagers have it no easier than the teens of 1970s Berlin. I hope that this book will help teens gain some perspective on their own problems, and encourage them to take a fresh look at the choices that remain open to them—whatever their situation. I strongly believe that both teens and their parents both stand to gain a lot from reading Christiane's story.
I am honored to have worked on translating this book into current, American English (with the help of my very talented editor, Daniel Harmon). I hope that it does justice to Christiane's voice and personality.
Christina Cartwright