Set in the 1960s, the narrative follows Gorda as she embarks on her studies in Switzerland, where she encounters profound love and heartache through her relationship with the charming Remo. The author employs humor and self-reflection to explore Gorda's journey of self-discovery, capturing the complexities of youth, ambition, and the emotional turbulence of love.
This witty developmental novel depicts the friendships and love experiences of a girl, Gorda, from childhood through high school. Initially we are confronted with the gloomy environment of post-war Germany, in which the fulfillment of duty is more important than child-centered creativity; a nightmare for young Gorda. She escapes to California as an exchange student. That's where she learns to kiss and speak American English...Returning back to Germany allows Gorda to see her own world, family, and friends with completely new eyes. With The German Exchange Student, Geertje Suhr has written a novel that will delight adults and young people alike.