Subject
Germany -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction Books
Best books
Jakob Wassermann
Caspar Hauser; oder, Die Trägheit des Herzens, Roman
"Caspar Hauser; oder, Die Trägheit des Herzens, Roman" by Jakob Wassermann is a historical novel published in 1908. The story follows the final six years of the mysterious foundling Caspar Hauser's life in Nürnberg and Ansbach. A young man appears with no language and no past, possessing supernatural abilities. As various guardians attempt to educate and protect him, shadowy figures send assassins to eliminate him. The novel explores questions of noble birth, human nature, and the forces working against an innocent caught in political intrigue.
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.
Friedrich Hebbel
Schnock: ein niederländisches Gemälde
"Schnock: ein niederländisches Gemälde" by Friedrich Hebbel is a humorous tale written in 1836–37. The story follows a traveling narrator who meets Schnock, a timid carpenter who has just captured an escaped thief. Despite his large, strong build, Schnock is fearful and dominated by those around him. As he recounts his life story, a portrait emerges of a man constantly pressured into decisions against his nature—forced into his father's trade and a troublesome marriage that leaves him struggling to assert himself.
Theodor Fontane
Unterm Birnbaum
"Unterm Birnbaum" by Theodor Fontane is a novella written between 1883 and 1885. Abel and Ursel Hradscheck run a small shop with an inn in a village, burdened by mounting debts. When Abel discovers an old soldier's corpse buried under his pear tree, he devises a dark plan to escape financial ruin. The story follows the psychological unraveling of the couple after committing their crime, as suspicion grows and guilt becomes unbearable in their increasingly haunted home.
Clemens Brentano
Geschichte vom braven Kasperl und dem schönen Annerl
"Geschichte vom braven Kasperl und dem schönen Annerl" by Clemens Brentano is a frame novella published in 1817. On a cool early summer night, a writer encounters an old peasant woman with a desperate request. Her grandson Kasperl has shot himself over a matter of honor, while his fiancée Annerl awaits execution for infanticide. The grandmother seeks an honorable burial for both, but the writer becomes determined to save Annerl's life. The story explores different conceptions of honor and their devastating consequences.
Anthony Trollope
Linda Tressel
"Linda Tressel" by Anthony Trollope is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Linda Tressel, a young woman living under the strict guardianship of her aunt, Madame Charlotte Staubach, in Nuremberg. The novel explores themes of personal freedom, the constraints of rigid morality, and the struggle between societal expectations and individual desires. The opening of "Linda Tressel" introduces us to the central characters: Linda, who is raised in a household governed by her aunt’s strict religious beliefs, and Peter Steinmarc, the family’s lodger who wishes to marry Linda. Linda's aunt, while deeply caring, imposes her austere moral standards on Linda, leading to a life filled with repression and longing for freedom. This backdrop of rigid virtue contrasts sharply with the emerging feelings Linda has for Ludovic Valcarm, a young man who embodies the very passions she is taught to suppress. As the complexity of relationships unfolds, we see Linda caught between her aunt's expectations and her own burgeoning desires for love and independence.
Wilhelm Raabe
Zum wilden Mann
"Zum wilden Mann" by Wilhelm Raabe is a novella written in 1873 and published in 1885. In a small German town near the Kyffhäuser, apothecary Philipp Kristeller recounts to friends how he acquired his pharmacy thirty years earlier with money left by a mysterious acquaintance named August. When August returns as a decorated Brazilian colonel, the reunion seems joyful—until his true intentions emerge. This tale explores how friendship crumbles when confronted with greed and self-interest in Germany's materialistic Gründerzeit era.
Clemens Brentano
Kunnon Kasper ja kaunis Anni
"Kunnon Kasper ja kaunis Anni" by Clemens Brentano is a novella written in the early 19th century. This work stands out as an important piece within modern German literature, particularly noted for its role in pioneering the genre of folk narrative or "kyläkertomus." The story revolves around the lives of the titular characters, Kasper, a noble peasant-soldier, and the beautiful Anni, whose intertwined fates capture themes of honor and sacrifice against the backdrop of rural German life. The opening of the novella introduces us to an elderly peasant woman who is determined to rest on the doorstep of a grand house, revealing a sense of calm resignation despite the concerns of onlookers. As the crowd debates her situation, she insists on her right to stay, referencing her past sacrifices. The narrative then shifts to a male narrator who becomes captivated by her presence and listens to her story. She recounts the tragic fate of her grandson, Kasper, a soldier who, facing a moral and existential crisis, has taken his own life after being forced to recognize his family's crimes. This poignant beginning sets a somber yet reflective tone, hinting at deeper themes of integrity, love, and the pains inherent in human existence.
Arthur Achleitner
Im grünen Tann
"Im grünen Tann" by Arthur Achleitner is a collection of novellas written during the late 19th century. The book explores the life and traditions of the people living in the Black Forest region of Germany, focusing particularly on their struggles, customs, and the tensions between old and new societal norms. The narrative introduces characters like Peter Gottstein, a stubborn innkeeper, and his family as they navigate issues of governance, tradition, and community in a rural setting. The opening of the work sets a vivid and atmospheric scene in the Black Forest, specifically around a desolate area known as the "tote Bühl." As autumn winds howl through the trees, we are introduced to the character of Peter Gottstein, who is preoccupied with legal grievances regarding a government mandate that threatens his way of life. The tension between tradition and progress is apparent as Peter’s daughter, Thrinele, tries to persuade him to adapt while he stubbornly clings to the past. The narrative mixes elements of social commentary with drama as it hints at broader conflicts within the community, including a secret gathering of local men that suggests underlying themes of resistance and rebellion against external authority. This initial glimpse into the lives of the Gottstein family and their neighbors sets the stage for a compelling exploration of resilience and identity in a changing world.
John Henry Mackay
Die Menschen der Ehe
"Die Menschen der Ehe" by John Henry Mackay is a novel likely written during the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a small town characterized by a divided community, class distinctions, and the complexities of marital relationships. It primarily follows the character Franz Grach, who returns to the town after many years, encountering memories and individuals from his past while grappling with a woman's plea for help regarding her unhappy marriage. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the dismal atmosphere of the town, filled with industrial smoke and characterized by a rigid societal structure divided among merchants, officials, and the military. We witness the arrival of Grach, who recalls his youth and the friendships that have faded over time. Grach's bittersweet memories serve as a backdrop for his current involvement with Clara Boehmer, a woman trapped in a disappointing marriage. Their correspondence brings him back to the town, forcing him to confront not only her situation but also his feelings towards the societal norms surrounding marital life. The opening sets a tone of nostalgia and critique, as Grach reflects on the passivity of the townsfolk, labeling them "people of marriage" and exploring themes of conformity, dissatisfaction, and the pursuit of genuine happiness.
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