Subject
German fiction -- 20th century Books
Best books
Heinrich Mann
Der Untertan
"Der Untertan" by Heinrich Mann is a novel written in 1914. It traces the life of Diederich Heßling, a fictional opportunist who climbs the social ladder in Imperial Germany under Wilhelm II. Mann crafts a sharp satire of authoritarian personality types, depicting Heßling as a coward who tyrannizes those below him while eagerly submitting to power above. The novel critiques nationalist fervor and the mentality that would lead to World War I, contrasting Heßling with Buck, an aging revolutionary witnessing liberalism's collapse.
Hermann Hesse
Klingsors letzter Sommer
"Klingsors letzter Sommer" by Hermann Hesse is an expressionistic artist's tale written in summer 1919. The story follows painter Klingsor through his final months as he senses approaching death. He paints feverishly in vivid colors, wanders through southern landscapes, and spends nights drinking wine in grottos. Between creative euphoria and melancholy, he struggles with fleeting love affairs, artistic obsession, and existential questions. As a fortune-teller predicts a disturbing future, Klingsor's desperate hunger for life intensifies while he contemplates the meaning of his relentless creative drive.
Hermann Hesse
Märchen
"Märchen" by Hermann Hesse is a collection of 22 fairy tales written between 1904 and 1933. Hesse transforms traditional European fairy tales into contemporary stories infused with Eastern mysticism. Written partly during World War I, the tales reflect his pacifist views and explore mortality, war's devastation, and the isolated artist as witness and critic. The stories confront what Hesse saw as modern menaces: science, materialism, war, alienation, and philistinism. Heroes search for self-knowledge and inner peace in narratives praised for their unusual, captivating quality.
Georg Heinrich Bonne
Im Kampf um die Ideale, die Geschichte eines Suchenden : $b ein Gegenwartsroman
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Clara Viebig
Das Weiberdorf
"Das Weiberdorf" by Clara Viebig is a novel published in 1899. Set in a remote Eifel village where men work in distant mines and return only twice yearly, the story explores the harsh lives of women left behind to manage everything alone. When Peter Miffert, one of the few remaining men, begins counterfeiting money to help struggling families, he becomes the center of attention—until the husbands unexpectedly return. This naturalistic work vividly portrays economic hardship, social isolation, and suppressed desires in rural Germany.
Friedrich Lienhard
Der Spielmann: Roman aus der Gegenwart
"Der Spielmann: Roman aus der Gegenwart" by Friedrich Lienhard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around an aspiring musician and poet named Ingo von Stein, who grapples with his identity and purpose while navigating the complexities of relationships, beauty, and the call of his homeland. The narrative begins to explore themes of love, friendship, and artistic longing, set against the backdrop of the French Riviera and the contrasts of contemporary society. The opening of the novel introduces us to two young women enjoying their time in the Riviera, where they encounter Ingo, a charming wanderer and troubadour. Intrigued by his artistic spirit, they engage in playful conversation about music and literature, particularly focusing on Mozart's whimsical letters. As Ingo becomes a central figure, the narrative hints at his internal struggles, including his yearning for beauty and connection, as well as his contemplations about his place in the world. The initial chapters set the stage for Ingo's journey of self-discovery and his connections with others, hinting at both romantic and philosophical explorations that will unfold as the story progresses.
Bernhard Kellermann
Die Brüder Schellenberg
"Die Brüder Schellenberg" by Bernhard Kellermann is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Georg Weidenbach, a young man recently released from a hospital, who anxiously searches for his lost love, Christine März, amidst the bustling life of Berlin. As his quest unfolds, it becomes evident that both his health and circumstances are precarious, reflecting the broader struggles of individuals during a time of economic instability. The opening of the novel introduces us to Georg as he exits the hospital, reflecting on his longing for Christine as he navigates the busy streets of Berlin. He feels disoriented and alienated, burdened by memories of his illness and unanswered letters to Christine, which hint at a turbulent past between them. Georg's determination to find Christine prompts him to visit various places, including her former workplace, where he learns that she has vanished. As he navigates between hope and despair, the stark realities of unemployment and societal indifference become apparent, setting the tone for his journey through a city marked by both opportunity and hardship.
Rudolf Herzog
Die Buben der Frau Opterberg : $b Roman
"Die Buben der Frau Opterberg: Roman" by Rudolf Herzog is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Frau Christiane Opterberg and her two sons, Martin and Christoph, as they embark on an adventurous journey through the Swiss mountains, exploring the beauty of nature while contemplating life’s deeper meanings. The book likely intertwines themes of family, nature, and the transition from childhood innocence to the complexities of adulthood. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the serene and picturesque setting of the Alps, where the main characters observe the majestic eagles soaring above them. As Frau Opterberg guides her sons through the landscape, she imparts wisdom about companionship and the essence of life, encouraging them to engage with the world around them deeply. Through their playful banter and exploration, the opening sequence establishes a sense of adventure and philosophical reflection, setting the stage for their relationship with the wilderness and each other.
Paul Keller
Ferien vom Ich
"Ferien vom Ich" by Paul Keller is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a protagonist, Fritz, who embarks on a quest to find his estranged brother, Joachim, after a family tragedy. The narrative delves into themes of homecoming, loss, and the desire for personal transformation, focusing on Fritz's emotional journey intertwined with the rich backdrop of his hometown and the tensions it faces with a neighboring town. At the start of the book, Fritz reflects on his childhood in the town of Waltersburg and his recent return after years of absence. He grapples with memories of his family, particularly the strained relations due to his brother's disappearance following a tragic incident involving a woman. As Fritz reconnects with his past, he rekindles a sense of belonging and contemplates the changes in his life, particularly his aspirations to become a doctor. His mother urges him to seek out Joachim, prompting Fritz to take on the mantle of a healer, not just in the medical sense but also for his fractured family. This opening section sets the stage for the exploration of familial bonds, societal conflicts, and the protagonist’s evolving identity amid the pressures of modern life.
Bruno Hans Bürgel
Die seltsamen Geschichten des Doktor Ulebuhle
"Die seltsamen Geschichten des Doktor Ulebuhle" by Bruno Hans Bürgel is a collection of tales likely written in the early 20th century. The book intertwines stories with scientific concepts, aimed at entertaining and educating young readers through fantastical narratives. The central character, Doctor Ulebuhle, is portrayed as an eccentric but wise figure who shares engaging tales with curious children. The opening of the book establishes Doctor Ulebuhle's character and his unique approach to storytelling. He resides in the historical town of Goslar, surrounded by oddities and scientific curiosities that reflect his learned nature. The first segment introduces the premise of his storytelling: seeking to captivate children's interest while imparting knowledge through “scientific fairy tales.” The narrator describes how the local children, drawn by curiosity and a promise of cake, gather around Ulebuhle as he recounts stories that blend fantasy with scientific principles. This sets the stage for a series of adventurous tales, including one that hints at the legendary story of Pompeii. The engaging interaction between the doctor and the children promises a delightful blend of humor and education throughout the collection.
Hermann Hesse
Peter Camenzind
"Peter Camenzind" by Hermann Hesse is a novel published in 1904. It follows a mountain village boy who leaves his Alpine home to pursue dreams of becoming a writer in the city. Peter Camenzind discovers literature, forms friendships, and experiences love, yet struggles to reconcile his rural origins with urban intellectual life. Through his journey of self-discovery, he must confront whether he has achieved his literary ambitions or remained the farmer's son he tried to escape.
Rudolf Haas
Der Volksbeglücker
"Der Volksbeglücker" by Rudolf Haas is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The opening chapters introduce the main character, Fritz Hellwig, a sensitive and introspective youth grappling with existential questions, the loss of a father figure, and his struggle with faith and identity against a backdrop of societal norms and expectations. At the start of the story, we find Fritz in the idyllic landscape of West Bohemia, where his thoughts drift amid the summer beauty. He is depicted as a dreamy young man raised by a doting but overprotective mother after the death of his father, a schoolteacher. Fritz finds himself at odds with the pressures of school life and the prevailing values of society as he navigates his relationships, particularly with his more carefree classmate, Otto Pichler. A pivotal moment arises when he declares his rejection of religious practices, setting off a conflict with authority figures, including the stern priest Pater Romanus, as well as a personal struggle with his own beliefs and moral compass. The evolving dynamics of his friendships and the search for meaning in his life suggest both a profound character study and a commentary on societal expectations.
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