Subject
Russian fiction -- Translations into German Books
Best books
Leo Tolstoy
Anna Karenina, 1. Band
"Anna Karenina, 1. Band" by graf Leo Tolstoy is a novel first published in book form in 1878. This Russian masterpiece follows the intertwined lives of two couples against the backdrop of Imperial Russian society. Anna Karenina, a married socialite, begins a scandalous affair with cavalry officer Count Vronsky that forces them to flee Russia. Meanwhile, landowner Konstantin Levin pursues Kitty and struggles with faith and estate management. The novel explores themes of betrayal, family, marriage, desire, and the tensions between rural and urban life.
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Der Großinquisitor
"Der Großinquisitor" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a philosophical parable written between 1878-1880 as part of his novel *The Brothers Karamazov*. In this profound chapter, one brother recounts an imagined encounter between Christ and the Grand Inquisitor during the Spanish Inquisition. The confrontation raises devastating questions about human freedom, faith, and authority. Through this dramatic dialogue, Dostoyevsky explores whether humanity truly desires the freedom Christ offers, or if people prefer comfortable submission to earthly power.
Leo Tolstoy
Anna Karenina, 2. Band
"Anna Karenina, 2. Band" by graf Leo Tolstoy is a novel first published in book form in 1878. This monumental work explores themes of betrayal, faith, family, and marriage in Imperial Russian society. The story centers on Anna's scandalous extramarital affair with cavalry officer Count Vronsky, forcing them to flee to Italy before returning to Russia where their lives unravel. A parallel narrative follows Konstantin Levin, a landowner pursuing marriage and struggling with faith, creating a rich tapestry of Russian life during Alexander II's liberal reforms.
Andrey Bely
Petersburg
"Petersburg" by Andrey Bely is a novel written in the early 20th century. It explores the complex lives of its main character, Apollon Apollonowitsch Ableuchow, a senator navigating the tense social and political climate of Russia amidst personal struggles involving his son, Nikolai. The narrative delves into themes of identity, power, and the labyrinthine structure of both government and personal relationships. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Apollon Apollonowitsch Ableuchow, a senator of significant standing, who reflects on his lineage and the weight of his political responsibilities. As he prepares for the day, we see his meticulous approach to life and work juxtaposed against hints of dissatisfaction, particularly in his relationship with his son, Nikolai, who is artistically inclined yet seemingly directionless. The opening also establishes a backdrop of St. Petersburg's atmospheric setting, marked by fog and the struggles of its inhabitants, setting a tone that resonates with the complexities of the characters' lives. As the story unfolds, the reader is invited into a deeply introspective exploration of the intertwining fates of father and son within a greater socio-political landscape.
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Sämtliche Werke 7-8 : $b Der Jüngling
"Sämtliche Werke 7-8: Der Jüngling" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers on Arkádi Makárowitsch Dolgorúki, a young man grappling with his identity, social status, and the concept of personal power in the wake of his illegitimate birth. The novel delves into themes of existentialism, morality, and the quest for meaning in a rapidly changing society. At the start of the narrative, the protagonist introduces himself, revealing his complex family background as the illegitimate son of a nobleman, Andreí Petrówitsch Werssíloff. Dolgorúki reflects on his childhood, his disdain for his family name, and the emotional turmoil of not having a stable relationship with his natural father, who largely abandoned him. The opening sets the stage for his inner struggle as he decides to carve his path, disregarding societal expectations and attempting to pursue a profound personal idea. The feelings of isolation, ambition, and conflict with his heritage are established, hinting at the intense psychological exploration that characterizes Dostoyevsky's work.
M. (Mikhail) Artsybashev
Millionen; Der Tod des Iwan Lande: Zwei Novellen
"Millionen; Der Tod des Iwan Lande: Zwei Novellen" by M. Artsybashev is a collection of two novellas written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the lives and struggles of its central characters, exploring themes of love, wealth, and inner turmoil. The opening novella, "Millionen," primarily focuses on the character Mishujew and his complex relationship with Maria Sergejewna, revealing their emotional and psychological conflicts. The beginning of "Millionen" introduces Mishujew as he navigates a vibrant yet superficial social scene marked by feasting and frivolity, contrasting sharply with his inner despair and dissatisfaction. As he interacts with Maria Sergejewna, the narrative captures the tension between their past affections and the weight of their current realities. Despite her beauty and charm, Mishujew grapples with feelings of resentment and regret, reflecting on the cost of their entanglement and the hollowness that pervades their lives in pursuit of wealth and status. The opening sets a melancholic tone as it foreshadows the deeper struggles within the characters, inviting readers to contemplate the nature of love and fulfillment amidst societal pressures.
Leo Tolstoy
Sewastopol
"Sewastopol" by graf Leo Tolstoy is a collection of three short stories published in 1855. Drawing from his direct experiences during the siege of Sevastopol in the Crimean War, Tolstoy crafts vivid sketches of military life, wounded soldiers, and the brutal realities of combat. The stories explore the psychology of war, the nature of heroism, and the senselessness of conflict. These sketches would later form the foundation for episodes in his masterwork, "War and Peace."
Fyodor Sologub
Der kleine Dämon
"Der kleine Dämon" by Fyodor Sologub is a novel written between 1892 and 1902. In a provincial Russian town, gymnasium teacher Peredonov treats those beneath him with cruelty while dreaming of advancement to school inspector. His cousin Varvara manipulates him with forged letters promising connections to a St. Petersburg princess. As paranoia consumes him, Peredonov sees conspiracies everywhere—faces in playing cards, his friend as a threatening ram, and a demonic creature stalking his every step, driving him toward madness and violence.
N. S. (Nikolai Semenovich) Leskov
Eine Teufelsaustreibung, und andere Geschichten
"Eine Teufelsaustreibung, und andere Geschichten" by N. S. Leskov is a collection of stories likely written in the late 19th century. The narratives delve into themes of the supernatural, human folly, and the cultural landscape of Russia, focusing notably on eccentric characters and their experiences, prominently featuring the character of Ilja Fedossejewitsch, whose adventures set the tone for the stories. The opening of the collection introduces the protagonist, who recounts an extraordinary experience attending an exorcism in Moscow, an event requiring luck and special connections to witness. The narrator, a young nobleman, reflects on his family background and the influence of his mother, prompting him to visit his influential uncle. This visit quickly leads him into an unexpected excursion that reveals the uncle's larger-than-life personality and a series of comedic misadventures, setting a vivid and humorous stage for the subsequent tales in the collection.
M. (Mikhail) Artsybashev
Ssanin: Roman
"Ssanin: Roman" by M. Artsybashev is a novel written in 1907, during a period of political upheaval in Russia. The story follows a group of young people who debate philosophy, sexuality, and personal freedom while challenging societal norms. The protagonist advocates living according to one's desires, sparking controversial discussions about morality, female sexual autonomy, and individual liberty. Banned for pornography and blasphemy in 1908, the novel profoundly influenced Russian youth and ignited debates about hedonism versus social responsibility that extended far beyond its pages.
Aleksei Remizov
Die Schwestern im Kreuz : $b Erzählung
"Die Schwestern im Kreuz" by Aleksei Remizov is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Peter Alexejewitsch Marakulin and explores the lives of the inhabitants of a Petersburg tenement, delving into questions of fate, guilt, and the human condition. The book paints a vivid picture of Russian urban and spiritual life, blending realism with symbolic elements and a touch of folklore. The narrative is permeated by a profound meditation on suffering, loss, and the search for individual meaning within the collective struggles of modern Russia. The opening of "Die Schwestern im Kreuz" begins with an introduction situating Remizov as a writer deeply rooted in Russian traditions and folklore, yet keenly aware of modern social and spiritual questions. The story then focuses on Marakulin, a clerk in Petersburg who, after being wrongly dismissed from his job due to a trivial error and possible betrayal, spirals into isolation, poverty, and existential questioning. Evocative descriptions of Marakulin’s internal state, encounters with fellow tenants, and his acute sensitivity to the suffering and indifference around him set the tone for the novel’s exploration of despair, endurance, and the possibility of personal redemption. The Burkowsche House itself emerges as a microcosm of Russian society, inhabited by a diverse cast of characters whose intertwined lives and everyday struggles reflect broader social and metaphysical themes.
N. S. (Nikolai Semenovich) Leskov
Der versiegelte Engel, und andere Geschichten
"Der versiegelte Engel, und andere Geschichten" by N. S. Leskov is a collection published in 1873. The title story follows Old Believer construction workers in 1850s Ukraine whose precious two-hundred-year-old angel icon is confiscated and sealed by authorities. When their spiritual protector is taken, the group embarks on a daring mission to recover their sacred treasure. The narrative explores themes of religious persecution, faith, and the lengths believers will go to preserve what they hold most sacred.
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