Subject
British -- Germany -- Fiction Books
Best books
Ford Madox Ford
The Good Soldier
"The Good Soldier" by Ford Madox Ford is a novel published in 1915. Set just before World War I, it chronicles the seemingly perfect marriage of Edward Ashburnham and his friendships with two American couples. Told through flashbacks by an unreliable narrator, the story gradually reveals hidden affairs, deceptions, and tragedies that shatter the facade of respectability. Using pioneering literary impressionism, Ford masterfully unveils how nothing in these relationships is as it first appears, leading to devastating consequences for all involved.
Jerome K. (Jerome Klapka) Jerome
Three men on the bummel
"Three Men on the Bummel" by Jerome K. Jerome is a humorous novel published in 1900. The sequel to "Three Men in a Boat" follows the same three companions on a bicycle tour through Germany during the height of the Victorian cycling craze. Through comic vignettes and amusing observations, the novel explores German culture, cycling mishaps, and the quirks of early recreational biking. The journey unfolds as a "bummel"—a wandering adventure regulated only by the need to return home.
Elizabeth Von Arnim
Elizabeth and Her German Garden
"Elizabeth and Her German Garden" by Elizabeth von Arnim is a novel published in 1898. Written as a year's diary, it follows Elizabeth as she cultivates a garden on her husband's Pomeranian estate while gently satirizing German bourgeois society and those around her. This semi-autobiographical work combines observations on nature with humor drawn from Elizabeth's gardening misadventures and unconventional views on life. Originally published anonymously to protect the author's identity, it became an immediate bestseller with twenty-one reprints by 1899.
Wilkie Collins
Jezebel's Daughter
"Jezebel's Daughter" by Wilkie Collins is a novel written during the late 19th century, specifically in the 1880s. The story revolves around the aftermath of two deaths, which intertwine the lives of their widows: Mrs. Wagner, who seeks to carry out her late husband’s progressive business ideas, and Madame Fontaine, who is embroiled in a family scandal involving accusations against her character. The interactions between these strong female characters set the stage for themes of societal norms, maternal love, and the personal struggles of their respective families. At the start of the novel, the narrator, David Glenney, recounts significant events surrounding the deaths of Mr. Wagner and Doctor Fontaine that occurred on the same day. As David reflects on his association with Mr. Wagner's widow, we learn of her determination to implement her husband’s progressive vision for advancing the roles of women in business. Concurrently, the narrative introduces Doctor Fontaine's widow and daughter, highlighting the complexities of their social standing and the prejudices they face. The emotional weight and character depth are further emphasized as Mrs. Wagner begins to understand and empathize with Madame Fontaine's situation, setting the groundwork for a gripping tale of intermingling lives and moral dilemmas in the face of societal expectations.
Elizabeth Von Arnim
Fräulein Schmidt and Mr. Anstruther
"Fräulein Schmidt and Mr. Anstruther" by Elizabeth Von Arnim is a romantic novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the emotional journey of Rose-Marie Schmidt, a young woman living in Jena, as she grapples with her feelings for Roger Anstruther, an Englishman who has spent a year in her family’s home learning German. With its epistolary format, the book explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal identity, capturing Rose-Marie's introspective reflections and growing awareness of her feelings. At the start of the narrative, Rose-Marie writes a series of letters to Roger following their recent romantic engagement, filled with her thoughts, insecurities, and revelations about love. Her letters oscillate between joy and doubt as she contemplates the implications of their engagement, particularly regarding her lack of financial means and the weight of her step-mother's disapproval. Throughout these letters, Rose-Marie vividly describes her surroundings in Jena, her feelings of awakening to love, and her fears of societal judgment, revealing her internal struggle with self-worth and her uncertainty about their future together. The opening portion effectively sets the stage for a deeper exploration of their relationship and the challenges they face as they navigate their worlds.
Anthony Trollope
The House of Heine Brothers, in Munich
"The House of Heine Brothers, in Munich" by Anthony Trollope is a novel set in the mid-to-late 19th century, during the Victorian era. The story revolves around the modest banking house of Heine Brothers in Munich, which is characterized by its good but unremarkable reputation in the banking world. The narrative focuses on the lives of the Heine family, exploring themes of love, social expectations, and the dynamics of family relationships. The plot centers on Isa Heine, the elder daughter of Ernest Heine, who leads a tranquil life while navigating her feelings for Herbert Onslow, a young English clerk at her father's bank. As Herbert harbors romantic feelings for Isa, he struggles with the challenges of their socioeconomic conditions, particularly the financial approval from Isa’s uncle, Hatto Heine. The unfolding love story is marked by a lack of romantic flair, showcasing Isa's pragmatic and realistic approach to love. After several trials, misunderstandings, and deliberations, Hatto eventually grants Herbert a partnership in the bank, paving the way for Herbert and Isa’s engagement amidst family loyalties and societal norms. The narrative beautifully captures both the mundane and profound aspects of life during this period, serving as a poignant reflection on love and duty.
I. A. R. (Ida Alexa Ross) Wylie
Dividing Waters
"Dividing Waters" by I. A. R. Wylie is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Nora Ingestre, a young woman grappling with familial responsibilities and her own aspirations as her family faces financial ruin. The narrative explores themes of sacrifice, identity, and the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations. The beginning of "Dividing Waters" introduces the Ingestre family, who are in turmoil over their declining fortunes due to the Reverend John Ingestre's financial misadventures. As they gather to discuss their situation, Nora's father reveals the necessity of sacrifices for the family's wellbeing, particularly that she may need to abandon her musical studies. Nora, conflicted yet determined, grapples with feelings of frustration over her curtailed future while her brother Miles expresses his own disdain for the situation. As tensions rise, Nora's mother, Mrs. Ingestre, attempts to maintain a delicate balance and ultimately proposes sending Nora to work as a companion to a lady in Germany, which sets the stage for Nora's journey of self-discovery and defiance against societal norms.
Arthur W. Marchmont
An Imperial Marriage
"An Imperial Marriage" by Arthur W. Marchmont is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the German imperial court, weaving a complex tapestry of romance, political intrigue, and personal sacrifice. The narrative primarily revolves around Althea Korper, whose life becomes entangled with the fates of Prince von Graven and other key figures as their relationships unfold amidst the machinations of high society. The opening of the story introduces us to Paul Bastable, a former Berlin correspondent, who becomes aware of a royal engagement between Prince von Graven and Princess von Altenvelt. Paul's emotions are immediately complicated by the revelation that the prince has fallen in love with Althea, his own love interest, leading to feelings of jealousy and concern. As tensions rise, Althea finds herself in a precarious situation when her identity is revealed to carry significant implications tied to her father, Baron von Ringheim, a figure linked to revolutionary politics. Allegiances shift as Althea seeks Paul's help to escape the threat of arrest, setting the stage for a thrilling exploration of romance and political strife in the face of impending danger.
Jemima Montgomery Tautphoeus
The Initials: A Story of Modern Life
"The Initials: A Story of Modern Life" by Baroness Jemima Montgomery Tautphoeus is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The narrative is likely to explore themes of travel, identity, and the intricacies of social interactions among characters navigating the cultural landscape of Germany. The main character appears to be Hamilton, a young English traveler whose journey becomes intertwined with the lives of several German characters, including a mysterious person or family denoted by the initials "A. Z." At the start of the novel, we meet Hamilton, who is staying at a prestigious hotel in Munich but feels discontent with his travels, likening them to a lack of excitement due to the absence of true adventures. After receiving a letter from an enigmatic "A. Z." inviting him to visit Seon, Hamilton decides to follow up on this intriguing correspondence, unsure about the identity of the writer. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he meets the Rosenberg family, including two attractive sisters, and realizes that his acquaintance with them may lead to romantic entanglements. As Hamilton grapples with misunderstandings around the letter, he finds himself entering a vibrant world of social connections and German traditions, setting the stage for further explorations of character dynamics and cultural exchanges.
Arthur W. Marchmont
The Man Without a Memory
"The Man Without a Memory" by Arthur W. Marchmont is a novel written in the early 20th century. This gripping story revolves around a protagonist, Jack Lancaster, who becomes entangled in espionage during World War I after surviving a sinking ship. He assumes the identity of a man named Johann Lassen, who has disappeared and is engaged to another woman, Rosa, while he searches for his true love, Nessa. At the start of the narrative, Jack recounts his thrilling and harrowing experience as a pilot in the war, leading up to his near-fatal accident which brings him into conflict with the German authorities. After surviving an explosion on the ship "Burgen", he finds himself mistaken for Lassen in a hospital in Rotterdam. As he plans to search for Nessa, who is reported missing in Germany, he cleverly crafts a plot to impersonate Lassen. This engaging opening sets the stage for a tale filled with deception, tension, and the desperate quest to rescue a loved one from danger amid the swirling chaos of war.
Jerome K. (Jerome Klapka) Jerome
Tres Anglesos S'esbargeixen
"Tres Anglesos S'esbargeixen" by Jerome K. Jerome is a humorous novel published in 1889. Three friends and a dog embark on a two-week boating holiday up the River Thames, camping along the way from Kingston to Oxford and back. Originally intended as a serious travel guide, the work transformed into a comic masterpiece filled with witty observations, disastrous mishaps, and memorable set pieces. The narrator recounts their adventures with fresh humor that has endured across generations, making everyday Victorian pastimes hilariously absurd.
Jerome K. (Jerome Klapka) Jerome
Les trois hommes en Allemagne
"Les trois hommes en Allemagne" by Jerome K. Jerome is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows three friends—Harris, George, and the narrator—as they embark on a journey filled with humorous mishaps and discussions about their travel plans and the realities of life. The novel explores themes of friendship, adventure, and the often-comedic challenges of travel. The opening of the story introduces the three friends who are looking to escape their mundane lives. The conversation quickly establishes their desire for an adventure, fueled by a sense of restlessness. They contemplate various forms of travel—discussing yachting and cycling—while poking fun at their own hesitations and fears, particularly regarding heights and physical exertion. Through witty dialogue and interactions, the narrative sets the stage for a comedic exploration of their journey, touching upon the contrasts between their aspirations and the pressures of domestic life.
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