In the shadow of the magic mountain

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Thomas Mann's eldest children, Erika and Klaus, were unconventional and fiercely devoted to each other. Their close bond empowered them to adopt vehemently anti-Nazi views in a Europe engulfed in fascism, and they lived openly as gay individuals in a time of repression. Despite their father's fame overshadowing their contributions, Erika and Klaus were serious authors and political visionaries whose essays and lectures remain relevant today. Andrea Weiss's dual biography reveals their story, providing insight into the literary and intellectual life, political turmoil, and evolving sexual mores of their era. The narrative begins with their imaginative childhood, showcasing their talents and intense relationship. Weiss chronicles their lifelong artistic collaboration, highlighting how they infused their work with political commitment as the Nazis rose to power. Their beliefs led to exile, and after fleeing Germany, they moved to the United States, where they both served in the armed forces. They mingled with notable figures like Andre Gide and W. H. Auden, whom Erika married in 1935. However, the challenges of exile, Klaus's heroin addiction, and Erika's shifting loyalty strained their bond, culminating in Klaus's tragic suicide in 1949. Beautiful, previously unseen photographs enhance Weiss's riveting account of two brave nonconformists whose lives illuminate the history of the twentieth century.