The Maiden

Monika Helfer has transformed her memories into major literature

On the suffocating atmosphere of the 1960s – on marriage, intimacy and belonging

»Gloria’s mouth pouted like Brigitte Bardot’s, only she was more beautiful. It was her first attribute.« Gloria and Moni have been best friends since childhood – one is rich, the other poor. Half a century later, the two women meet again and Gloria confesses a secret she’s kept her whole life: she has never slept with anyone. Gloria was always popular, eccentric and beautiful, a wannabe actress and highly sociable. Gloria and Moni grew up in the stuffy 1960s, confronted with marriage, claustrophobia and violence. How did they become the people they are? What do loneliness and prosperity mean? Once again, Monika Helfer’s voice is outstanding in its virtuosity, conveying stories of intimacy and belonging in a sparkling, light-hearted tone. On the heels of Helfer’s trilogy about her own family, The Maiden is an exhilarating novel about a decadeslong friendship between two women.


»What an unforgettable character Gloria is! With care, Monika Helfer shines a light into the most secret corners of her friend’s soul.« Daniela Dröscher