Heinz Risse
Heinz Risse was a German author and independent accountant, born on March 30, 1898, in Düsseldorf. Risse's early education included attendance at a humanistic gymnasium, followed by studies in sociology and philosophy at the University of Heidelberg, where he completed his doctorate. His experiences during World War I, particularly being buried in a foxhole, left him with lasting psychological effects, including claustrophobia. Professionally, Risse transitioned from private accounting to becoming an independent certified accountant after a reform in securities law in 1931, allowing him to audit public corporations.
His literary career began later in life, emphasizing themes of societal injustice, materialism, and the contradictions within modern society. Risse's novels often feature protagonists grappling with moral dilemmas and the consequences of a materialistic worldview. Notable works include "Wenn die Erde bebt: Roman," which explores clairvoyance and societal values, and "So frei von Schuld: Roman," highlighting the struggles of a young carpenter trying to enact change. Risse's final significant work, "Dann Kam der Tag," presents a character consumed by greed who ultimately faces guilt and regret. He passed away in 1989 in Solingen, Germany, leaving behind a literary legacy that champions individual integrity and critiques societal flaws.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Heinz Risse
Writer
- Born: March 30, 1898
- Birthplace: Düsseldorf, Germany
- Died: 1989
- Place of death: Solingen, Germany
Biography
Heinz Risse was born March 30, 1898, in Düsseldorf, Germany. His father was a physician and his mother came from a family of doctors and engineers. Risse attended the humanistic gymnasium (secondary school) from 1907 to 1915. In 1918, he began studying at the University of Marburg, and transferred to Frankfurt am Main after two semesters. Risse was attracted to the school’s athletic programs and cultural life, but only lasted one semester there. He next transferred to Heidelberg, where he studied sociology and philosophy and completed his doctorate in sociology.
During his service in World War I, Risse was buried in a foxhole for hours. The experience left him incredibly claustrophobic and uncomfortable in any confined area. He served again briefly in 1940, but was released early due to health reasons. Risse worked as a private accountant until 1931, when a reform in the securities law was passed, allowing Risse to work as an independent certified accountant. After passing numerous exams, Risse began auditing public corporations.
In 1945, Risse was detained by the British and his affiliation with the Nazi party was investigated. Risse had belonged to the party and audited several companies that supplied munitions and war materials. After nine months he was released. Risse believed the British had confused the term Wirtschaftsfuhrer (economic czar) with Wirtschaftsprufer (independent accountant).
Although Risse was older than his contemporary writers, he is considered a postwar author since he began his writing career later in life. Risse had made a comfortable life for himself before he began writing, which allowed him to write what he wanted rather than what would sell His writings focus on societies injustices and paradoxes, double standards and contradictions, the evils of materialism, and society’s heavy reliance upon technologies.
In his first novel, Wenn die Erde bebt: Roman, the protagonist has the clairvoyant ability to predict people’s deaths and to speak to the dead. When his talents are exploited by an insurance company, he loses his clairvoyance. He regains them when a deceased friend tells him there is no law beyond which he creates, and he realizes the false values of his materialistic society.
So frei von Schuld: Roman features a young carpenter who tries to change the world by helping one person at a time. His quest to improve the world requires him to become a part of it. His involvement in a society devoid of values leads to his ultimate downfall, and he is sacrificed to an unworthy society.
Unlike the heroic protagonists in his prior novels, Risse’s Brocke in Dann Kam der Tag, is obsessed with accumulating wealth at whatever the cost. After destroying those near to him, he realizes the error of his way and attempts to repent. His son, who adopted his ethics, declares him mentally unsound, and continues his corrupt business practices. Brocke is unable to make amends, and lives the rest of his life overcome by guilt.
Heinz Risse died in 1989 in Solingen, Germany. His greatest contribution to literature was his commitment to individual integrity and exposing society’s injustices.