Immensee

This is the first novella in an audio compendium of 15 Great Novellas that I've had around for a while. I wasn't interested in starting another huge history tome just now, and novellas are a good size for walking. This was an interesting example of traditional 19th century German fiction, initially charming and then quite sad, dealing with life choices and mistakes.

This short and wistful German novella from 1849 was Theodor Storm's most popular work during his lifetime, it made him world famous. On the surface it's a love story but heavy with symbolism allowing for a multitude of interpretations. Critics often interpret the tone of resignation and missed opportunity as part of the Zeitgeist in the aftermath of the failed Revolutions of 1848.

Some of the symbolism is difficult for a non-specialist. For example in the 19th century, water lilies had a reputation as symbolizing female sexual power. Thus when Reinhardt swims in the lake at night and becomes entangled in the vines of a water lily, we know what was likely happening. Likewise when Reinhardt tosses a gold coin into the lap of a dark Gypsy show more girl, this symbolizes more than an act of charity. The mother carries keys representing power and control; the titular bees of the lake? I'm not sure. Overall I'd say this is worth reading for the story alone, and if you enjoy teasing out symbolism in 19th century German novellas. It can be read in a single sitting with a beautifully illustrated edition freely available online. show less

German

Ein alter Herr, wir erfahren, daß er zurückgezogen mit seiner Haushälterin in einem großen Haus in einer Kleinstadt wohnt, erinnert sich seiner unausgesprochenen Jugendliebe. Eine schwermütige, sehr stille romantische Dichtung. Bei ihrem Erscheinen 1850, brachte diese kleine Novelle Storm große Anerkennung. Für unsere Zeit erscheint die Erzählung vielleicht vielen als zu gefühlsvoll, aber sie gleitet nie ins sentimentale ab. (IX-11)

Heinz Killian liest es wirklich passend, aber die Geschichte an sich gefällt mir nicht so sehr.