Theodor Fontane is one of the German writers from the 19th century. His most famous novel is "Effi Briest" which I have reviewed earlier.
Same as in that novel, this tells us the story of a young woman. She is a teacher's daughter who is in love with the son of a rich industrialist "Kommerzienrat" (financial counsellor). Capitalism gained power and money made the world go around. So, the guy's parents were not really very happy, even the mother, who herself came from a simpler background.
Whilst the story itself is quite clear and held pretty simple, the description of German society at the end of the 19th century is the main story of this novel.
The language is quite satirical, and the characters could still be alive today, nothing seems to change that quickly.
Description (translated):
"In his satirically humorous society novel "Frau Jenny Treibel", which was published in 1892, Fontane unmasked the main characters in their selfish intrigues clearly enough as sentimental, conceited or downright pragmatic. Nevertheless, one can smirk and develop sympathy for the characters who come to such refreshing conclusions as: 'Money is nonsense, science is nonsense, everything is nonsense. Professor too'. If you deny it, be an ox."
Where would we be without our satirical authors?
ReplyDeleteI don't know about you, I'd probably in one of those what they call now "psychiatric clinics".
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