As the Sun Goes Down - The Mann Family in Sanary

  • The new book by the bestselling author – extensively researched and brilliantly told
  • Over 2.87 million copies of Florian Illies's books sold
  • Florian Illies titles have been translated into over 20 languages

Exiled to paradise: The dramatic summer of the Mann family in Sanary in 1933

In the sweltering summer of 1933, the political situation in Europe reaches a crisis point – and so does that of the Mann family. After an adventurous escape in June, Thomas and Katia Mann and their six children have ended up in the dreamy harbour town of Sanary on France's Mediterranean coast. Now they all find themselves stuck, with nowhere to go.

One place, one family, three months at thirty degrees – Florian Illies tells of the grief over the loss of home and possessions, the fear of the looting by the Nazis, of melancholy, defiance and passion. And of the ordeal between Klaus and Erika and their father.

A brilliant montage of the last “family showdown” before the exile: the struggle for the father's recognition, sibling rivalries, fears for the future – all against the backdrop of the political situation.

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Dutch (Alfabet), French (Les Actes Sud), Korean (Munhakdongne), Russian (Ad Marginem Press)

  • Publisher: S. FISCHER
  • Release: 22.10.2025
  • ISBN: 978-3-10-397192-7
  • 336 Pages
  • Author: Florian Illies
As the Sun Goes Down - The Mann Family in Sanary
Florian Illies As the Sun Goes Down - The Mann Family in Sanary
Boris Breuer
© Boris Breuer
Florian Illies

Florian Illies transforms past eras into the living present with elegance and ease. He draws surprising cross-connections between the protagonists and weaves scenes and snapshots into stirring panoramas.  Illies was born in 1971, studied art history and worked as a newspaper editor and publisher. His international bestseller 1913: Der Sommer des Jahrhunderts topped the SPIEGEL bestseller list for months. Today, he is co-editor of Die Zeit, curator and freelance writer. His latest book, "The Magic of Silence", was published by S. FISCHER and is a No. 1 bestseller.