Kristofer Janson
Kulissien takana
"Kulissien takana" by Kristofer Janson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Mr. Plummer, a shrewd and opportunistic businessman in Minneapolis, who rises from humble beginnings to wealth, navigating through personal and social conflicts that arise from his ambitions and relationships. The characters include Mr. Plummer and his family, as well as Agnes, a strong-willed servant girl, who adds complexity to the narrative with her own aspirations. The opening of the novel introduces Mr. Plummer, who has built a substantial fortune in Minneapolis after an adventurous past that included dubious dealings and a discarded Indian wife. As the narrative unfolds, we see the juxtaposition of Plummer's ambition and the social climbing of his wife, Mrs. Plummer, who yearns to impress the city’s elite. The arriving French nobleman, Count Ducroix, sets the stage for further complications, especially when a case of mistaken identity occurs, drawing in his daughter Fanny and their servant Agnes. As social tensions gradually unravel amidst extravagant dinner parties, the characters reveal their inner conflicts and desires, suggesting a rich exploration of themes like class, identity, and the American dream.