Subject
Austrian fiction -- 20th century Books
Best books
Hans Kaltneker
Die Liebe: Novelle
"Die Liebe: Novelle" by Hans Kaltneker is a romantic novella written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores complex emotions surrounding love, desire, and the anguish connected to them, likely focusing on the experiences of its central characters—a man and a woman—as they navigate their intense feelings for each other amidst struggles and societal expectations. The opening of the novella sets a vividly emotional tone, capturing an intense conversation between the man and woman, filled with declarations of love and the underlying pain of their circumstances. As their dialogue unfolds, they reflect on past loves and betrayals, revealing the depth of their commitment and longing. The narrative hints at their tumultuous relationship, marked by moments of both ecstatic connection and deep sorrow. The imagery presents love as a dual force of pleasure and suffering, establishing a thematic framework that invites readers to delve into a story where love is both a salvation and a source of torment.
Bertha Eckstein-Diener
Die Kegelschnitte Gottes
"Die Kegelschnitte Gottes" by Bertha Eckstein-Diener is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story appears to revolve around a character named Horus Elcho, who navigates between innocence and awakening in a richly described exotic setting, likely in a tropical locale. Themes of youth, love, and philosophical contemplation seem to be central, framed within a lush narrative that hints at deeper existential and spiritual explorations. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the waking consciousness of Horus, who experiences a dream-like state filled with vibrant imagery and sensuality. He is surrounded by beauty and nature, as well as a sense of innocence, highlighted by his interactions with a young girl named Gargi, who is depicted as a close companion. As Horus awakens to his surroundings and the reality of relationships, the chapter evokes feelings of discovery and yearning, setting the stage for potential conflicts and growth related to love and sensuality. The vivid descriptions create an immersive atmosphere that draws the reader into Horus's world, establishing a dynamic between the physical and metaphysical that promises to unfold throughout the narrative.
Gustav Meyrink
Die heimtückischen Champignons: und andere Geschichten
"Die heimtückischen Champignons: und andere Geschichten" by Gustav Meyrink is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The tales explore various intriguing and often whimsical themes, with a notable focus on the surreal and absurd elements of life in Prague. The opening story involves a character entangled in a bizarre business venture in mushroom cultivation, meeting eccentric personalities along the way. The beginning of the work introduces the protagonist, who reflects on an old adage about wealth that somehow leads him to encounter a peculiar agent named Dowidl Taubeles. This agent tries to persuade the narrator to partner with him in a mushroom-growing business, implying that with enough dedication, wealth can be readily obtained. The narrative mixes a sense of humor and absurdity, as the protagonist's initial skepticism leads him through a series of comedic and chaotic encounters, setting the stage for the strange events that will unfold throughout the collection.
Grethe Auer
Gabrielens Spitzen: Zwei Novellen
"Gabrielens Spitzen: Zwei Novellen" by Grethe Auer is a collection of two novellas written in the early 20th century. The first novella introduces Gabriele, the daughter of a clerk, who lives in a cultured town in the early 18th century. Gabriele is a talented lace maker, admired by the upper-class women of her city for her artistic creations, and her journey revolves around her art as well as her interactions with a wealthy councilor who becomes intrigued by her. At the start of "Gabrielens Spitzen," readers meet the protagonist Gabriele, a lively young woman devoted to her craft of lace-making in a thriving artistic community. The narrative unveils her modest family life, highlighting the camaraderie and joy shared among her siblings on the weekends. Gabriele's talent garners the attention of a distinguished man as she delivers her creations, leading to an unexpected connection that suggests the promise of deeper relationships. The opening sets the stage for her personal development, interweaving themes of art, love, and societal expectations while hinting at the challenges she may face as her life intertwines with that of the affluent.
Grete Meisel-Hess
Die Stimme: Roman in Blättern. Zweite, von der Verfasserin neubearbeitete Ausgabe.
"Die Stimme: Roman in Blättern" by Grete Meisel-Hess is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the voice of a woman, exploring her inner struggles and emotional experiences as she navigates relationships, societal expectations, and her own artistic ambitions. The protagonist, whose journey is framed in the context of her search for freedom and identity, grapples with the complexities of love, art, and her place in a changing world. At the start of the novel, the narrator reflects on the nature of life as a series of unplanned experiences, akin to musical notes that create a melody of existence. She introduces key figures from her past, including Rudi Neudorfer, a literary aspirant who ignites her ambitions to perform on stage. The opening details her childhood feelings of isolation and her discovery of a passion for singing, hinting at a yearning for a life beyond conventional constraints. As she contemplates her relationship with Rudi, the narrative sets up the emotional conflicts that will unfold, leaving the reader eager to understand how her desire for artistic expression intertwines with her personal relationships and societal pressures.
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach
Ein Buch, das gern ein Volksbuch werden möchte
"Ein Buch, das gern ein Volksbuch werden möchte" by Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach is a work of fiction likely written in the early 20th century. The book primarily focuses on the life of Dr. Nathanael Rosenzweig, a Jewish physician who has struggled through poverty to establish a practice in a rural town. It delves into themes of social justice, wealth disparity, and personal ambition as he navigates his relationships with his ailing grandmother and various patients, while also foreshadowing societal upheaval. The beginning of the book introduces Dr. Nathanael Rosenzweig, detailing his arduous upbringing and relentless pursuit of success in the medical field. He finds solace in caring for his elderly grandmother and begins to gain a reputation in his community. As his success grows, so do his aspirations, and he starts contemplating the nature of wealth and his role in society. The narrative also hints at larger social issues that may impact his life and practice, as he encounters themes of life, death, and the struggles faced by both the affluent and the poor. This sets a backdrop for a deeper exploration of how personal choices, societal pressures, and historical contexts intertwine in the lives of the characters.
Peter Rosegger
Die Försterbuben: Ein Roman aus den steirischen Alpen
"Die Försterbuben: Ein Roman aus den steirischen Alpen" by Peter Rosegger is a novel published in 1907. Set in the Styrian Alps, it tells the story of forester Paul Rufmann and his two sons, Friedolin and Elias. When a traveling Prussian professor is murdered in the mountains, both brothers are arrested as suspects. Elias confesses to protect his brother, whom he believes guilty. The tragedy tears the family apart, revealing secrets and testing bonds of brotherhood and loyalty in a close-knit Alpine community.
Hermynia Zur Mühlen
Der Tempel: Roman
"Der Tempel: Roman" by Hermynia Zur Mühlen is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds against a backdrop of tension, focusing on themes of loss, identity, and the impact of societal turmoil on individuals. The opening introduces two main characters: the elderly Jewish woman, Grandmother Bernstein, and a small boy named Moische, exploring their lives amidst the devastation that follows the destruction of the Temple. The beginning of the narrative presents a harsh winter landscape where the remnants of a destroyed Jewish temple reflect the community's grief and despair. The Grandmother recounts a story about a young man named Simon, whose profound sorrow at the temple's destruction leads him on a mystical journey of hope and redemption. The scene transitions to the Jewish quarter, where fear of impending pogroms grips the community, ultimately culminating in violent chaos as mobs target them. Amidst the turbulence, Nadja, a Russian woman, shows a transformation of character by taking in Ivan, a young Jewish boy who has lost his family. This opening lays a foundation for exploring the delicate lines of compassion and prejudice in a world marred by hatred.
Rudolf Greinz
Die Stadt am Inn : $b Roman
"Die Stadt am Inn" by Rudolf Greinz is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the small, melancholic town of Rattenberg, located in the Tyrolean Inn Valley, which is described as shrouded in perpetual gray mist and rain. The narrative introduces the reader to the town's atmosphere, particularly focusing on the life of traveling performers and their interactions with the townsfolk, including the central character, a young girl named Sophie, who moves between the harsh reality of her wandering life and the more protected environment of the town. The opening of the novel establishes a gloomy and oppressive ambiance in Rattenberg, where rain and fog contribute to a sense of desolation. As life stirs in the town after a lengthy period of bad weather, a troupe of traveling entertainers arrives, capturing the attention of the children and residents alike. Among them is Sophie, a Karrner child, who is introduced as living in a rough, unloving home under the domineering rule of her father, Gaudenz. The narrative reveals the tension in her family, particularly her fraught relationship with her father and her bond with her brother, Tonl. This tumultuous introduction sets the stage for Sophie's desire for love and belonging, hinting at her journey toward a new life away from the harshness of her upbringing.
Alfred Kubin
Die andere Seite : $b Ein phantastischer Roman
"Die andere Seite: Ein phantastischer Roman" by Alfred Kubin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on a narrator, a graphic artist, who receives an enigmatic invitation from his reclusive and extraordinarily wealthy former schoolmate, Claus Patera, to move to a mysterious and isolated "Dream Realm"—an entirely artificial country cut off from modern progress. The book delves into themes of psychological tension, nostalgia, and the interplay between dream and reality, with Patera as the shadowy figure around whom the Dream Realm and its strange rules revolve. The beginning of the novel introduces us to the narrator's recollections of Claus Patera, marked by peculiar memories and a sense of foreboding tied to Patera's influence. After years apart, the narrator—now a struggling illustrator in Munich—is visited by the agent Gautsch, who delivers the bizarre proposal: to relocate, with his wife, to Patera's Dream Realm, a place meticulously crafted as a haven from modernity, where all inhabitants are carefully selected and the very air is heavy with mood and atmosphere. Skeptical but enticed by curiosity and an overwhelming financial incentive, the narrator and his wife undertake a long, surreal journey eastward, passing through unfamiliar countries before finally breaching the imposing walls of the Dream Realm. Upon arrival in the city of Perle, they encounter a somber world of perpetual twilight, antiquated customs, and a population characterized by eccentricities—all under the distant yet omnipresent gaze of Patera himself. The opening thus sets the tone for a phantasmagorical exploration of isolation, memory, and the unnerving allure of utopias.
Rudolf Hans Bartsch
Der Flieger
"Der Flieger" by Rudolf Hans Bartsch is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Tikosch Gabor, a daring pilot embroiled in a dangerous aerial mission over enemy territory during a time of war. As he navigates through the treacherous skies, he encounters various challenges both in the air and on the ground, ultimately leading to a struggle for survival in hostile lands. The opening of the novel introduces Tikosch Gabor as he is engaged in a high-stakes flight over Serbian territory, where he drops bombs on military targets while avoiding enemy fire. His exhilaration soon turns to peril when he is shot and must crash-land in a dense forest. Stranded and injured, he grapples with both his physical wounds and the looming threat of discovery by local forces hunting for him. In a desperate bid for survival, Tikosch attempts to hide his presence while also seeking sustenance, reflecting the intense psychological and physical challenges he faces in a foreign wilderness. The chapter lays the groundwork for his journey, emphasizing themes of bravery, isolation, and the instinct to survive against overwhelming odds.
Grete von Urbanitzky
Der wilde Garten : $b Roman
"Der wilde Garten" by Grete von Urbanitzky is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows the devoted teacher Fräulein Dr. Hanna Südekum as she tries to guide adolescent girls—especially Gertrud—through awakening, rebellion, and the constraints and blind spots of adult society while confronting her own loneliness. Parallel strands with a sensitive boy she tutors and a magnetic sculptor who unsettles a bourgeois couple widen the story into a study of desire, authority, and modernity. The opening of the novel shows Hanna in her modest room comforting Gertrud, whose mother has torn up a secret notebook of treasured quotations, and recalls how Hanna first won the troubled girl’s trust after a schoolyard clash. Three years pass: Hanna’s life is wholly bound to the girls’ school; she mistrusts parents’ evasions, tutors a boy (Erwin) who idolizes a powerful statesman, and is disturbed when a young couple she knows return entranced by the free-spirited sculptor Alexandra. As puberty transforms her class—bringing giggles, panic, and a classmate’s death from illness—an anonymous report leads Hanna and a colleague to a night club, where they find a pupil with an actor and then heading to a hotel, a shock compounded when Hanna later glimpses her married friend in an intimate night scene. She struggles to teach amid the girls’ new obsessions, grows painfully distant from Gertrud, and suffers a private crisis about aging and solitude; the section closes with another student, Grete, raging at adult lies and at books that ignore girls’ inner battles.
Recently surfaced classics