To be precise, the 41-year-old recommends not one but three books to book lovers. This is because author Finn-Ole Heinrich takes his time with the development of his main character – resulting in a trilogy. Eleven-year-old Paulina, nicknamed Maulina (German for “Pouty”) because of her angry outbursts, is at the center of the story. Each book covers one year of Maulina’s life, allowing readers to experience the teenager’s formative years first-hand.

Lehnert particularly appreciates that, unlike most other coming-of-age novels, this story does not resort to stereotypes. “Finn-Ole Heinrich succeeds in creating a multidimensional character. Maulina is a believable female character, a fully-fledged human being. Her personality combines strengths, weaknesses, and a need for close relationships. It’s a great take on gender,” says the lecturer in children’s and young adult literature / children’s and young adult media.

The trilogy captivates the reader right from the start. Maulina’s parents have separated, she had to move to a new house and now needs to settle into a new school. She must also come to terms with a motley crew that is meant to become a blended family and her father’s new partner, whom she hates. As if that weren’t enough, Maulina’s mother is terminally ill. That sounds like a heavy read for a young adult book, but interestingly, it doesn’t feel overwhelming at all. Most of the issues are touched on in passing. Her friend Paul’s coming out is not explored in any depth. For the most part, the focus is on everyday, mundane matters. For example, Paulina and her friend Paul create a new ice cream flavor and spend pages discussing what to name it. The fascinating story is written in language rich with plays on words and humor, which makes it very enjoyable reading. On top of that, an elaborate take on seriality, as seen in the three alternative endings, and many references to fairy tales make this postmodern, intertextual writing at its finest.

Another special feature of the Maulina series is the illustrations by Rán Flygenring. In addition to their visual appeal, according to Lehnert, they also provide a second level of meaning. For instance, they serve as cliffhangers between the individual volumes or as spaces for negotiating loneliness and helplessness.

Nils Lehnert was inspired by the Maulana Schmitt books while pursuing his German Studies degree in Kassel. The trilogy left a lasting impression on him, and he now uses the books in his lectures on literary studies. He has been working as a lecturer in the Faculty of Linguistics and Literary Studies for three years.

And to whom would he recommend reading Maulina’s adventures? “The books are suitable for children aged ten and above; in a classroom setting as well. But adults will also enjoy them. Children’s literature does not have to lack complexity – Maulina Schmitt is the perfect example of this.”

Finn-Ole Heinrich, Rán Flygenring: Die erstaunlichen Abenteuer der Maulina Schmitt – Mein kaputtes Königreich (The Amazing and Astonishing Adventures of Maulina Schmitt – My Shattered Kingdom), Hanser-Verlag 2013, 176 pages, in German

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