Minding Amanda

An unpredictable story about an unexpected relationship, and a declaration of love for America

The mid-‘90s. Konrad dreams of a once-in-a-lifetime journey to America, lured by its wide open spaces, its widescreen attitude to life, and the myths of the Wild West. But the young student is short of cash as usual, so he agrees to accompany Amanda – a formidable and flamboyant old lady who is rich with a lifetime’s wisdom – on a six-week journey to visit her son in America. At first it is just a job, but the story of their turbulent relationship increasingly resembles Driving Miss Daisy – sometimes funny, occasionally sad, but always full of surprises. Eventually, the unlikely travelling companions stand at her son’s grave, and Konrad realises that his obligation to Amanda is not yet fulfilled. Far from it: their journey is just beginning …

Arno Surminski was born in Eastern Prussia in 1934. Following his family’s expulsion, he grew up in Trittau, Schleswig-Holstein. Surminski made a name for himself with short stories and novels which focus primarily on the fate of German displaced persons and their efforts to settle in post-war Germany. The winner of
many literary awards lives and works in Hamburg.