Gerhard Pohle has not had an ordinary life. Born in 1951, he was raised in Germany, Indonesia, Madagascar, India, and eventually Canada—discovering early on a love for animals and the water that would define his lifelong career. In his autobiography, WATER LUST, he lovingly describes his experiences in all these new and fascinating places—affectionately recalling family members, friends, schoolboy crushes, and pets who shaped his life. He also comments on various educational systems, their efficacy, and their humanity (or lack thereof)—generally describing in vivid detail the heartbreaks, pleasures, dangers, and delights of a very adventurous childhood: “I became aware of a fundamental difference in North American education. Teachers here were invested in the success of their students, and so I was encouraged to do well and received help when needed. Not once did I witness the belittlement of a student […] I fervently wished German educators could witness this.”
While the book is long, it is rarely dull or dragging. There is a lot here that will engage and entertain the casual reader, as well as a great deal of very useful primary source information for current and future historians. There are funny stories of teenage shenanigans interspersed with heartbreaking tragedy, narrow misses, and daring escapes—all with a thoughtful stream of commentary on everything from the cruelty of frog legs to the usefulness of various educational methods. Most of all, as the photographs scattered throughout the book make clear, the focus is on the people. For instance, the reader learns about his parents Vati and Mutti—who struggled with their own demons but dearly loved their son, his admired but troubled older brother Hanns. He also describes terrifying teachers, supportive mentors (including the teacher who gave Pohle the delightful nickname “Stehaufmännchen” or “little get-up man”—or, in other words, someone who can’t be knocked down permanently but always bounces back), friendships both faithful and fleeting, and romantic sweethearts.
Pohle’s writing style is simple, intimate, and clear. He writes about events as his child-self experienced them. A failed math test, for example, is described with as much drama and intensity as the family’s daring escape from a civil war. It’s also very clear where his personal interests are; when any interesting or classic motor vehicle enters the story, for instance, his enthusiasm takes over and he nearly waxes poetic. For example, regarding his chance to ride in a Mercedes Benz 300 SEL 6.3 model at an automobile exhibition, he raves:
I knew I would never get another chance to sit in one of these vehicles […] With a 6.3 litre V8 engine under the hood, it was the company’s top-of-the-line, full-size luxury performance car. At the time it was also the world’s fastest four-door sedan. Not only could you cruise at over 200 km/h, but also travel in comfort with five people aboard since air suspension—an extremely rare feature then—was standard equipment.
When personal tragedy hits, his language becomes stark and vivid, going between the external scene and his internal reactions in clear and heartrending language: “A large puddle of blood had formed on the carpet. My legs turned to jelly, my mind on fire.” All in all, this is a long and detailed read, but one that will reward the patient reader with a thoughtful, event-filled, wide-ranging coming-of-age story.
WATER LUST by Gerhard Pohle is a lively and engaging autobiography that includes humor, tragedy, loneliness, love, catastrophe, and triumph. It is a rich reminiscence of a childhood that takes place over an equally expansive geographical range.
~Catherine Langrehr for IndieReader