*The New Sorrows of Young W.* by Ulrich Plenzdorf is a modern retelling of Goethe's classic *The Sorrows of Young Werther*. The novel reimagines the story in the context of 20th-century East Germany, focusing on a young man named W. who struggles with the constraints of his society and personal disillusionment. Plenzdorf’s adaptation updates the themes of romantic idealism and existential despair to reflect the challenges of a socialist regime and the alienation of modern life. The novel combines elements of social critique with a deeply personal narrative, offering a fresh perspective on the themes of love, frustration, and the search for meaning in a changing world.