Subject
German fiction -- Translations into Finnish Books
Best books
Franz Werfel
Kuoleman voittaja
No description available.
Gustav Frenssen
Hilligenlei (Pyhä maa)
"Hilligenlei (Pyhä maa)" by Gustav Frenssen is a novel written in the early 20th century. The work revolves around the small coastal town of Hilligenlei and explores the lives, struggles, and aspirations of its inhabitants, particularly focusing on themes of faith, hope, and the quest for a meaningful existence." "The opening of the novel introduces the reader to a stormy night impacting the coastal village of Hilligenlei. It establishes a sense of foreboding as characters like Rieke Thomsen, an experienced midwife, and Hule Beiderwand, a lonely old man with deep faith, prepare for an impending childbirth. Amidst the storm, the narrative hints at the existence of a community marked by an old belief in the possibility of their town becoming a "holy land." As tensions rise with the struggles of the people around them, the arrival of a young woman in distress adds urgency and drama to the initial chapter, setting the stage for exploration of their intertwined lives in the face of both personal and communal challenges."
Max Kretzer
Aatetoverit : $b Sosiaalinen romaani
"Aatetoverit: Sosiaalinen romaani" by Max Kretzer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story appears to explore themes of social disparity, friendship, and political ideology, focusing on the lives of its main characters, Wilhelm Schorn and Gustav Rassmann, who embody different social conditions and aspirations. Through their interactions, the narrative delves into issues of communal responsibility and the struggles faced by individuals in their respective societal roles. The beginning of the novel introduces us to Wilhelm Schorn, a successful master craftsman, and his friend Gustav Rassmann, who is depicted as a disheveled and disillusioned figure. As they converse, Rassmann expresses his feelings of worthlessness stemming from his poverty, while Schorn insists that he should stay and be welcomed into his home as they share a common cause. The dialogue reveals their contrasting lives—one of relative stability and the other of despair—while Schorn's wife and their children also become part of the unfolding narrative. The opening sets the tone for a poignant examination of friendship against the backdrop of political activism and social consciousness, highlighting the aspirations and ideals of characters caught in the complexities of their societal roles.
Karl May
Abu-Seif : $b Äventyrsroman från Röda Havet och Mekka
"Abu-Seif: Äventyrsroman från Röda Havet och Mekka" by Karl May is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the experiences of the central character, Kara Ben Nemsi, as he navigates through the exotic and perilous landscapes of the Red Sea and the holy city of Mecca, encountering various characters and dilemmas along the way. The opening of the novel establishes an atmosphere steeped in biblical references and historical reflections. The protagonist, while riding through a valley, recalls the parting of the Red Sea and expresses a deep sense of reverence for the sacred lands he traverses. Invoking thoughts of Moses and the Israelites, he interacts with local Bedouins, one of whom warns him against a nearby water body rumored to contain the "angel of death." As he journeys further, he encounters the captain of a Turkish ship, navigating a complex web of cultural perceptions and potential dangers, hinting at the themes of conflict, adventure, and the clash of beliefs that will unfold in the narrative.
Gustav Freytag
Vanha kauppiaskoti
"Vanha kauppiaskoti" by Gustav Freytag is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the small town of Ostrau, detailing the life of the royal account councilor Wohlfart and his experiences as a father to his prodigious son, Anton. The narrative explores themes of family, societal expectations, and the aspiration for a better life against the backdrop of a changing world. The opening of the novel introduces the setting of Ostrau and provides insight into the life of Wohlfart, a devoted husband and father who reveres his king and finds joy in his work. It describes the happiness of his family, particularly with the birth of their son Anton, who shows remarkable characteristics from a young age. As Anton grows, he becomes a source of pride for his father and a model for his peers. However, their idyllic life takes a turn with the death of Wohlfart's wife, prompting a poignant exploration of grief, parental responsibility, and the aspirations that come with forging a path to success in the business world. This opening portion sets the stage for Anton's journey as he prepares to seek a future in the bustling capital city, hinting at the adventures and challenges that lie ahead.
Victor von Falk
Kuningatar Dragan rakkausseikkailut ja Kuningas Aleksanterin onneton kohtalo Historiallinen romaani erään hoviherran muistiinpanojen mukaan
"Kuningatar Dragan rakkausseikkailut ja Kuningas Aleksanterin onneton kohtalo" by Viktor von Falk is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds in a tumultuous period marked by political intrigue and dramatic personal conflicts centered around the Serbian monarchy. The story prominently features King Milan and his son, King Aleksanteri, alongside Queen Draga and other significant characters as they navigate love, betrayal, and the heavy burdens of royalty. At the start of the novel, the scene is set on the Sava River, where a mysterious cloaked figure, revealed to be King Milan, is determined to confront the impending marriage of his son to Draga Maschin, a woman he believes may bring ruin. As Milan navigates dark waters, desperate to save his son from what he perceives as a disastrous fate, the narrative introduces tensions between familial loyalty and romantic entanglements. The opening establishes a tense atmosphere filled with foreboding as characters grapple with the weight of their choices amidst impending celebrations that may soon lead to tragedy.
Margarete Böhme
Yhteiskunnan hylkäämä: Langenneen naisen päiväkirja
"Yhteiskunnan hylkäämä: Langenneen naisen päiväkirja" by Margarete Böhme is a novel published in 1905. Presented as the authentic diary of a young woman named Thymian, it chronicles her descent into prostitution after seduction and family rejection. The book sparked intense controversy over its authorship and shocking subject matter, yet became a massive bestseller with over 1,200,000 copies sold by the 1920s. Its sensational story captivated readers across Europe and America, inspiring sequels, stage plays, and two silent films.
Georg Ebers
Pormestarin vaimo: Romaani
"Pormestarin vaimo: Romaani" by Georg Ebers is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set in 1574, during the Eighty Years' War between the Dutch and the Spanish, the story explores themes of patriotism, youth, and the struggles for freedom. The main character, Adrian van der Werff, is the son of the town's mayor in Leiden and is depicted navigating the tensions between his heritage, his desires, and the political turmoil of the time. The opening of the novel sets a vivid scene in Leiden, where the spring of 1574 brings both natural beauty and a sense of renewal following a military siege. As the citizens celebrate their freedom, the narrative introduces the passionate youth in a classroom, where Adrian and his friends are inspired by a speech that challenges them to think of their duty to their country. This moment foreshadows the boys' subsequent inevitable foray into playacting battles, symbolizing their inner conflict between childhood innocence and the harsh realities of war. The chapter unfolds Adrian's relationships with his family, including a sense of longing for approval from his formidable father, as well as his budding interest in matters of national pride and identity amidst the backdrop of societal upheaval.
Adolf Stern
Rikostoverit y.m. novelleja
"Rikostoverit y.m. novelleja" by Adolf Stern is a collection of novellas written in the early 20th century. This work likely delves into themes of crime and morality, featuring characters embroiled in dire circumstances, including gondola rowers in Venice who grapple with their conscience amidst a plague and the consequences of their actions. At the start of the collection, the narrative introduces a dark, atmospheric Venice during the plague of 1630, establishing a sense of foreboding. The story focuses on a gondolier named Daniello Barozzi, who faces a moral dilemma as he reflects on his past actions as an executioner for the state. He grapples with the haunting memory of a man named Orlando Cornaro, whom he and his companion Andrea had condemned to death, and the weight of their choices bears heavily on him. As he navigates through the grim streets, Daniello encounters his dying friend Andrea, who challenges him to seek redemption for their past crimes, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of guilt, justice, and the desire for atonement.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Vaaliheimolaiset: Romaani
"Vaaliheimolaiset: Romaani" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of friendship, love, and social dynamics among a group of characters in an idyllic setting, particularly focusing on Eduard and Charlotta, who navigate complex feelings as they contemplate bringing a third character, a captain, into their lives. The opening of the novel introduces Eduard, a wealthy baron, as he enjoys a spring evening in his garden, preparing to meet his wife Charlotta. Their conversation reveals their mutual concern for a friend and the complexities that arise when considering inviting him to stay with them. Eduard expresses a desire for companionship to alleviate their friend's loneliness, while Charlotta wrestles with the implications this may have for their own relationship. The tone is reflective and intimate, setting the stage for deeper explorations of personal relationships and societal expectations as the narrative progresses.
Gustav Frenssen
Anna Hollmannin häviö : $b Kertomus
"Anna Hollmannin häviö: Kertomus" by Gustav Frenssen is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Jan Guldt, a young boy from Blankenese, whose family is deeply affected by the dark history associated with the Hollmann family, infamous for their poor treatment of seafarers and their link to Jan's father's early death. As Jan grows up amidst his mother's resentment towards the Hollmanns, he is determined to confront the injustices inflicted upon his family. The opening of the book introduces Jan Guldt, who lives a frugal life with his reclusive and bitter mother after the premature death of his seafaring father. Through a series of conversations, Jan learns about the Hollmann family, whom his mother holds responsible for many tragedies in their lives, including her husband's demise and her own struggles. Jan's increasing awareness of his family's grievances against the Hollmanns ignites a burning desire for justice and revenge within him. As the narrative unfolds, it sets the stage for Jan's journey toward adulthood, his aspirations as a sailor, and his resolve to confront the legacy of wrongdoings associated with the Hollmanns.
Gustav Frenssen
Kolme toverusta: Romaani
"Kolme toverusta: Romaani" by Gustav Frenssen is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story appears to focus on the lives of three young boys—Andrees, Frans, and Heim—who, amid the threat of war and familial struggles, see themselves as comrades navigating the challenges of childhood in a tumultuous period. The backdrop of military conflict in their homeland suggests themes of loyalty, courage, and the innocence of youth in the face of external dangers. The opening of the novel sets the stage with the three boys riding out to defend their homeland and observe the sea for enemy ships against the backdrop of recent battles. Each boy is introduced with unique traits: Andrees is a steady leader, Frans displays a sense of entitlement despite his insecurities, and Heim is portrayed as timid yet thoughtful. The narrative weaves between their youthful bravado and the harsh realities around them, illustrating their camaraderie, the innocence of their playgrounds now tainted by war, and hinting at deeper personal struggles as they face pressures from their families and the imminent challenges of growing up in such a dramatic time.
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