Germany understands itself as a world leader in memory and historical reappraisal. How is it possible, then, that rightwing populists are winning elections, crimes by rightwing extremists are being insufficiently investigated, and “Never again is now” has become a commonplace phrase? Max Czollek and Hadija Haruna-Oelker believe that Germany’s failed memory culture is partly to blame and have written a book on the subject: Alles auf Anfang (Back to Square One). Together, they reflect on a new practice that shapes the present in such a way that the past doesn’t repeat itself. The book is a perceptive and controversial analysis of Germany’s rightward shift from two of the most significant intellectual voices of our time, full of humour, sorrow, resistance, and the energy to bring everything back to square one.