Subject
Civil service -- Fiction Books
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Anthony Trollope
The Three Clerks
"The Three Clerks" by Anthony Trollope is a novel published in 1857, drawing on Trollope's experiences as a junior clerk in the General Post Office. Three civil servants navigate ambition, romance, and moral compromise in Victorian England. Two friends compete for the same woman while rising through bureaucratic ranks. One falls under the influence of an unscrupulous politician, leading to schemes of dubious legality. Meanwhile, a rakish younger clerk pursues redemption and love while torn between two women and two worlds.
August Strindberg
I Havsbandet
"I Havsbundet" by August Strindberg is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the Östersjön archipelago and revolves around the character of Intendenten Borg, a fisheries inspector tasked with investigating the decline of local fishing. As he navigates both the waters and the intricate dynamics of the fishing community, the narrative explores themes of nature, isolation, and the quest for meaning amidst turbulent circumstances. The opening of the novel introduces us to the tense atmosphere aboard a small boat in the Östersjön, where Intendenten Borg grapples with his fears and anxieties about sailing. The crew’s interactions hint at the socio-political undercurrents of the fishing community, with Borg being perceived as an outsider who brings unwelcome scrutiny to their practices. As the boat encounters rough waters, the precariousness of both the journey and Borg’s situation becomes evident. His exposure to the harshness of nature contrasts sharply with his scientific pursuits, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of his character and the challenges he faces as he attempts to fulfill his responsibilities in an unforgiving environment.
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