Literary · Magical realism · Historical
The Tin Drum
Oskar Matzerath decides at age three to stop growing and bangs a tin drum, with a scream that can shatter glass. He narrates from an asylum, telling of his family and Danzig before, during and after the Nazi era.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1959
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 593
- Format
- Book 1 of 2 in Die Danziger Trilogie
Read this if you like grotesque, satirical, inventive novels that treat history with dark humour.
Skip this if you prefer realism or are uneasy with a morally repellent narrator and disturbing scenes.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The Tin Drum
- What is The Tin Drum about?
- Oskar Matzerath decides at age three to stop growing and bangs a tin drum, with a scream that can shatter glass. He narrates from an asylum, telling of his family and Danzig before, during and after the Nazi era.
- Who should read The Tin Drum?
- Read it if you like grotesque, satirical, inventive novels that treat history with dark humour. Skip it if you prefer realism or are uneasy with a morally repellent narrator and disturbing scenes.
- How long and how fast is The Tin Drum?
- It is a medium-paced, long read of about 593 pages, first published in 1959.
- Does The Tin Drum have content warnings?
- Content we flag: War, Violence, Sexual content, Death.
- Can I borrow The Tin Drum for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Tin Drum; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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|---|---|---|
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