Subject
Short stories, Austrian Books
Best books
Stefan Zweig
Amok: Novellen einer Leidenschaft
"Amok: Novellen einer Leidenschaft" by Stefan Zweig is a collection of novellas published in 1922. The title story follows a German doctor in the Dutch East Indies who becomes dangerously obsessed after a wealthy woman requests his help with an unwanted pregnancy. When he demands sexual relations in exchange for the procedure, she refuses in disgust. His obsession spirals into a reckless pursuit that mirrors "amok"—the murderous frenzy that seizes certain individuals, compelling them to run wildly and destroy everything in their path.
Peter Rosegger
Feierabende: Lustige und finstere Geschichten
"Feierabende: Lustige und finstere Geschichten" by Peter Rosegger is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. This work captures the essence of both humorous and dark tales, exploring themes of human emotion and social interactions through the lives of various characters, including rural folk and humorous situational dramas." "The opening of "Feierabende" establishes a contemplative tone about the joys of leisure after hard work and hints at a two-part journey through light-hearted summer evenings and somber winter nights. The initial section introduces a narrative framed as a series of amusing tales, suggesting that the author aims to inspire joy and laughter through the experiences of everyday characters such as Rosel and Peter, who express simple wishes and humorous desires. As the narrative unfolds, the scenes, including those set around the Mirakelkreuz and its symbolic significance, become pivotal in showcasing Rosegger's storytelling prowess, setting the stage for the blend of life’s merriment and poignancy to be explored throughout the book."
Peter Rosegger
Das Buch der Novellen. Erster Band
"Das Buch der Novellen. Erster Band" by Peter Rosegger is a collection of novellas written in the late 19th century. This work presents a tapestry of stories that evoke rural life and the human experience, immersing readers in the rich landscape and character of the Austrian countryside. The opening story, "Die Harfenspieler," introduces us to Kilian, a coal burner, and his daughter Agnes, as they navigate the complexities of life in the woods. The beginning of the collection sets a vivid scene in a dark forest during a storm, where Kilian encounters Hans, a wild figure with a gun, who seeks refuge in Kilian’s home. As the storm rages outside, the narrative intertwines conversations about hunting, personal struggles, and communal life, painting a portrait of the relationships among villagers and their dreams and fears. The story unfolds with the arrival of a traveling couple who bring music and stories, yet the underlying tension of personal tragedies emerges, foreshadowing deeper themes of love and loss that resonate throughout Rosegger's work.
Peter Rosegger
Fremde Straßen
"Fremde Straßen" by Peter Rosegger is a collection of essays or stories written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the author and his conversations with a publisher, as well as reflections on writing, society, and the rural versus urban experience. Through engaging dialogues and introspection, Rosegger explores his past as a country writer while navigating the complexities of producing a new work that diverges from his established themes. The beginning of "Fremde Straßen" presents an intriguing exchange between the author and his publisher, discussing the pressures of literary production and the expectations of literary critics. This dialogue serves to highlight the author's internal struggle as he grapples with the desire to venture into new themes beyond his typical rural storytelling. As the narrative unfolds, the reader is introduced to the essence of Rosegger's experiences and perspectives, setting the tone for deeper explorations of societal dynamics as they relate to his life as a writer. Following this lively preface, the story shifts to the character of Wendel Blees, whose background and life journey unfold against the backdrop of social change and aspirations, hinting at further adventures and conflicts yet to come.
Gustav Meyrink
Die heimtückischen Champignons: und andere Geschichten
"Die heimtückischen Champignons: und andere Geschichten" by Gustav Meyrink is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The tales explore various intriguing and often whimsical themes, with a notable focus on the surreal and absurd elements of life in Prague. The opening story involves a character entangled in a bizarre business venture in mushroom cultivation, meeting eccentric personalities along the way. The beginning of the work introduces the protagonist, who reflects on an old adage about wealth that somehow leads him to encounter a peculiar agent named Dowidl Taubeles. This agent tries to persuade the narrator to partner with him in a mushroom-growing business, implying that with enough dedication, wealth can be readily obtained. The narrative mixes a sense of humor and absurdity, as the protagonist's initial skepticism leads him through a series of comedic and chaotic encounters, setting the stage for the strange events that will unfold throughout the collection.
Rudolf Hans Bartsch
Vom sterbenden Rokoko
"Vom sterbenden Rokoko" by Rudolf Hans Bartsch is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a vibrant and nostalgic setting of Vienna during the late Rococo period, weaving together themes of art, culture, and the tension between traditional and emerging values. The narrative prominently features Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, depicting him alongside his friend Gilovsky as they navigate the social and political landscape of their time. The opening of the novel introduces a picturesque Vienna filled with lively green spaces and a carefree atmosphere, where artists and writers thrive amidst the idyllic scenery. As Mozart prepares to leave for Prague, contemplating his new opera "Don Giovanni," he engages in discussions with Gilovsky about the changing world and the stirrings of revolution in France. The characters express a sense of nostalgia for the past while grappling with the inevitable transformations of society. The first chapter sets the stage for a rich exploration of creativity, friendship, and the intersection of personal ambition with larger social changes.
Ada Christen
Unsere Nachbarn: Neue Skizzen
"Unsere Nachbarn: Neue Skizzen" by Ada Christen is a collection of literary sketches written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the lives of ordinary people in a neighborhood, particularly focusing on the experiences and observations of the main character, Liese, who reflects on their past and her own solitary existence. Through her narrative, themes of love, longing, and the intricacies of human relationships are explored, providing a rich tapestry of social commentary on the lives of women in that era. At the start of the collection, Liese is introduced as a single woman who contemplates her life and the lives of those around her. She reminisces about her childhood and the neighbors who have vastly different experiences. Through her reflections, we learn about her upbringing and her modest, yet fulfilling existence as an independent worker, embroidering and living simply. The sketches blend her musings with observations about the people she interacts with, revealing a sharpness in her insights about societal expectations, particularly regarding marriage and femininity. Liese’s character embodies the themes of solitude and the quest for belonging, as she engages with memories and the lives of others in her neighborhood.
Elsa Asenijeff
Unschuld: Ein modernes Mädchenbuch
"Unschuld: Ein modernes Mädchenbuch" by Elsa Asenijeff is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the inner lives and struggles of young women as they navigate societal expectations, love, and personal identity in a changing world. The central character introduced is Bertha, who grapples with forbidden love and the complexities of growing up, reflecting the broader themes of innocence, personal desires, and societal pressures faced by girls. The opening of this work introduces us to Bertha, a schoolgirl returning home to her parents and experiencing the delightful thrill of receiving a secretive love letter from Max, a boy she meets on the stairs. This moment ignites a blend of excitement, rebellion, and confusion for Bertha, as she feels an urge to embrace her emerging womanhood while also wrestling with the expectations imposed upon her by her parents and society. From reading forbidden literature in private to contemplating her secret rendezvous, Bertha’s journey of self-discovery begins, setting the stage for the exploration of themes such as love, innocence, and the struggle for autonomy that permeate the narrative.
Irma von Troll-Borostyání
Was ich geschaut: Novellen
"Was ich geschaut: Novellen" by Irma von Troll-Borostyání is a collection of novellas written in the late 19th century. The book explores various human emotions and social issues through different narratives, likely featuring a range of characters dealing with life's challenges, such as illness, familial duties, and the struggle for happiness amidst adversity. The opening of the first novella, "Erlöst!", introduces us to Gabriele, a mother anxiously tending to her sick child, Erich, who is suffering from a severe illness. As she cares for him, her husband, Otto von Brauneck, is more concerned with entertaining guests and playing cards, showing a striking contrast between parental responsibilities and personal desires. Tension arises as Gabriele pleads with Otto to stay with their son during this critical time. The emotional turmoil culminates in a tragic turn, leaving Gabriele to grapple with her son’s fate and her husband's moral shortcomings. This opening sets a poignant tone for the collection, hinting at the deeper themes of sacrifice and the complexities of human relationships.
Peter Rosegger
Geschichten aus Steiermark
No description available.
Peter Rosegger
Sonderlinge
"Sonderlinge" by Peter Rosegger is a collection of character sketches written in the early 20th century. The work presents a variety of unique and eccentric figures, referred to as "Sonderlinge," who embody diverse life experiences, quirks, and philosophies. Through humor and compassion, the author explores the depth of human nature and relationships, showcasing both the endearing and the peculiar aspects of these individuals. At the start of "Sonderlinge," the author sets the stage by reflecting on the collective nature of humanity, stating that while many appear similar at a distance, each individual is an original with distinct traits shaped by personal circumstances. The opening portion includes anecdotes about a character named Karl, who, despite his physical prowess and size, struggles with social expectations and personal desires. Karl’s interactions reveal his innocent and humorous nature, illustrating the themes of acceptance and the complexity of social identity as he navigates societal roles and his aspirations, particularly relating to love and work.
Emil Ertl
Der Berg der Läuterung
"Der Berg der Läuterung" by Emil Ertl is a collection of stories written in the early 20th century. Framed by a Dantean motif of trial and purification, it portrays post–World War I Viennese lives tested by vanity, poverty, and moral choice. The pieces follow elegant and fallen households, clerks and craftsmen, and the uneasy bargains between love, pride, and survival, with figures such as Aimée, her estranged husband Harry, the widowed Berta Larisch, and the ruined friends Ziervogel and Bock at the center. The opening of the book first presents Die Sofapuppe: Aimée, a wealthy young wife, is unsettled by a Japanese doll that seems to speak, then tracks its maker to a cold attic where she finds her former friend Berta—now a dignified, impoverished war widow with a small son—quietly surviving by crafting luxury puppets. Stirred by shame and impulse, Aimée secretly leaves her diamond rivière in Berta’s sewing basket, only to face her husband’s cold vanity and later receive the necklace back, intact. The next piece, Das Rotkehlchen, shifts to the retired confectioner Ziervogel and his dour friend Bock, ground down by inflation, theft, and merciless bureaucracy; alongside Anna’s tender wish to free a pet robin and her visits to a sick child upstairs, the two men weather a day of petty humiliations that ends with a grim pact to end their lives in the Danube once fair weather comes, even as they bicker about their children and an old, almost comic childhood feud.
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