Here's why:
* Focus on Subjectivity and Fragmentation: The novel explores the experiences of a young girl, Patty, who is grappling with complex emotions and personal struggles. Its narrative structure is fragmented and non-linear, reflecting the disjointed nature of Patty's mental state.
* Challenging Traditional Narratives: Howland's work subverts traditional notions of good and evil, innocence and guilt. Patty's relationship with the German soldier, Anton, defies societal expectations and challenges the reader to re-evaluate their own perceptions.
* Self-Awareness and Metafiction: The novel is self-aware and often refers to its own fictional nature. This metafictional element further highlights the postmodernist focus on subjectivity and the blurring of lines between reality and fiction.
* Emphasis on Individual Experience: Howland prioritizes Patty's individual experience and perspective, showcasing the power of subjective truth and the limitations of objective historical narratives.
While "The Summer of My German Soldier" also exhibits elements of other movements, like the Confessional Movement (due to its focus on personal trauma and introspection) and the Women's Liberation Movement (because of its exploration of female identity and sexuality), its overall stylistic and thematic elements align most strongly with Postmodernism.