Ghali Diary Notebook 3 (13 October 1965 - 8 September 1966)

Abstract

This file contains the third volume of Waguih Ghali’s diary begun in Rheydt, West Germany, on 13 October 1965. Ghali describes suffering from severe depression in the closing months of 1965, and contemplates suicide. He writes about his first encounter with East Germany in December 1965 during a brief visit to Berlin. He becomes increasingly discouraged about living in West Germany, and he offers pointed critiques about the treatment of foreign workers there. On 7 February 1966 he notes that he has finished writing a play intended for German television, “about racial discrimination in Germany, about the Spanish civil war, and about the society in Germany.” In April 1966 Ghali writes about attending trials of Nazi S.S. officers in Dusseldorf. In the Spring of 1966, Diana Athill, Ghali’s British editor and friend, arranges for him to come for an extended visit to London. The content and tone of the diary changes following his arrival in London in May 1966. Giddy with excitement, he records details of his active social life in London. During this period there are fewer references to writing or reading. The last entry of this diary notebook is recorded on 8 September 1966. This diary is dated 1965 October 13 - 1966 September 08.