Grass Revelation Fallout

Günter Grass’s revelation late last week that he had been a member of the SS when he was seventeen years old has sparked quite a furor in Germany:

The weekend revelations have left many questioning his motives. “It is a disappointment, in a way he has betrayed the whole generation,” said his biographer, Michael Jürgs, who said Grass had never spoken of it during their many conversations.

“We adored him not only as a moral icon, but as a figure who was telling the truth even when the truth hurts.”

The Guardian wraps up some of the reactions, which range from demands by the Christian Democratic Party that Grass return his Nobel, to statements by Salman Rushdie that Grass’s service was “a youthful mistake” and that his literary work over 70 years should be taken into account. What do you think?