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Alsace (France) -- Fiction Books
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Burton Egbert Stevenson
Little comrade: a tale of the great war
"Little Comrade: A Tale of the Great War" by Burton Egbert Stevenson is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story takes place just before the outbreak of World War I, focusing on the experiences of an American surgeon, Dr. Bradford Stewart, who encounters the grim reality of impending war in Europe. The narrative revolves around his interactions with a German surgeon named Hermann Bloem and a mysterious Frenchwoman, highlighting the complexities of loyalty, love, and the harsh consequences of militarism. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to Stewart and Bloem as they share a coffee on a terrace in Cologne, where Bloem reveals the unsettling news that war is imminent due to escalating tensions in Europe. As they discuss the possibility of war, Bloem expresses his fears about Germany's militaristic culture. Soon after, as the narrative progresses, Stewart becomes entangled in a dangerous situation involving a beautiful Frenchwoman who seeks his help to escape the turmoil caused by the war. This opening portion sets the stage for a gripping exploration of the chaotic backdrop of World War I and the personal stories that unfold against it.
Friedrich Lienhard
Westmark : $b Roman aus dem Elsaß
"Westmark: Roman aus dem Elsaß" by Friedrich Lienhard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of World War I and explores themes of identity, love, and the struggles of life in Alsace during a time of conflict. The main character, Pfarrer Johann Friedrich Arnold, is depicted as a solemn yet thoughtful man grappling with personal loss and the broader implications of war on his homeland. The opening of the novel introduces the eerie autumn landscape of Alsace, filled with a sense of melancholy as Arnold reflects on his life and the ongoing war that threatens the stability of his community. He is portrayed as a man burdened by the weight of his past, including sorrow for his wife and concerns for his troubled son, Gustav. As he sits in a quiet spot contemplating his feelings, the narrative shifts to Gustav and his fiancée, Fanny Bieler, revealing their intertwined lives amid the chaos of war. The reader is drawn into a story of familial love, cultural conflict, and the struggles faced by those on the home front, setting the stage for deeper explorations of personal and national identity in the chapters to come.
René Bazin
The children of Alsace : $b (Les Oberlés)
"The Children of Alsace" by René Bazin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the divided region of Alsace, where the main character, Jean Oberlé, confronts the complexities of his identity and family against the backdrop of Alsace’s troubled history under German rule. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, national identity, and the impact of political strife on familial relationships, particularly focusing on the tensions between Jean, who embodies the spirit of Alsace, and his family members who have assimilated into German society. The opening of the novel introduces us to the peaceful yet poignant landscape of Alsace through the eyes of M. Ulrich Biehler, who is returning home after a day spent in the forest. As he walks through the moonlit woods, his thoughts reflect a deep connection to the land that contrasts sharply with the reality of being a Frenchman in a German-occupied territory. We are soon introduced to Jean Oberlé, who arrives home after years of study in Germany and is determined to embrace his roots and contribute to his homeland. The dynamics in the Oberlé family are immediately apparent, with Jean's uncle, M. Ulrich, expressing pride in the young man’s dedication to his heritage, while his father, Joseph Oberlé, represents a voice of compromise with the German administration. This tension sets the stage for a compelling exploration of love for one’s land and the struggles of a family torn by conflicting allegiances.
Burton Egbert Stevenson
The Girl from Alsace A Romance of the Great War, Originally Published under the Title of Little Comrade
"The Girl from Alsace" by Burton Egbert Stevenson is a romance novel set during the tumultuous times of the Great War, likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around themes of love, identity, and the harsh realities of war, particularly focusing on the struggles faced by those caught between national conflicts. The key characters include Stewart, an American surgeon, and a mysterious Frenchwoman from Alsace, highlighting the intersection of personal and political turmoil in this tumultuous period. The opening of the novel introduces Stewart and his German friend Bloem during a farewell coffee in Cologne just before the outbreak of World War I. Their conversation quickly shifts to the grim reality of impending war, revealing Bloem's grim resignation to militarism in Germany. This sets the stage for a dramatic narrative about war's impact on individuals, as Stewart grapples with the unsettling political changes as they become evident. Soon, Bloem departs for military duty, leaving Stewart to contemplate the chaos unfolding around him, culminating in a serendipitous meeting with a Frenchwoman who seeks his help to escape the clutches of war and oppression. The beginning effectively establishes a sense of urgency and foreshadows the intertwining lives of the main characters against the backdrop of historical events.
René Bazin
Oberlén perhe
"Oberlén perhe" by René Bazin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the backdrop of Alsace during a time of political tension and personal conflicts, focusing on the Oberlé family, with particular emphasis on Jean Oberlé, who has just returned home after completing his studies. The novel seems to delve into themes of identity, loyalty, and the struggles faced by individuals caught between two cultures. The opening of the novel introduces the character of Ulrich Biehler, a seasoned hunter, as he traverses the beautiful Vosges mountains at night. Through his introspective thoughts, the reader gains insight into Ulrich's past, his love for the land, and his complex feelings toward the German soldiers he encounters, all while he anticipates a reunion with his nephew, Jean. The narrative sets a tone of nostalgia and tension, hinting at the broader sociopolitical narratives that will unfold as Jean's return to Alsheim signifies not just a personal journey but also a reflection on the larger struggles of identity and homecoming amidst the conflict of nationalities.
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