The Wish

by Hermann Sudermann

Since the beginning of time men have been accustomed to regard the end of a century as a period of decadence. The waning nineteenth century is no more fortunate than its predecessors. We are continually being invited to speculate on the signs around us of decay in politics, in religion, in art, in the whole social fabric. It is not for us to inquire here concerning the truth or the ethics of that belief. But, as far as literature is concerned, it is very certain that the last years of the present century will be remembered for the extraordinary talent shown by a few young novelists and dramatists in most of the countries of Europe. In England, we can point to Mr. Rudyard Kipling and Mr. J. M. Barrie; in France, to M. Paul Margueritte and M. Marcel Prévost; in Belgium, to M. Maurice Maeterlinck; in Germany, to Gerhard Hauptmann, Ludwig Fulda, and Hermann Sudermann. The events of Sudermann's life are few; and he has the good sense to prefer to be known through his works rather than through the medium of the professional interviewer. The facts here set down, however, we owe to the courtesy of Sudermann himself a circumstance that lends them an additional interest.

Genres: Classics

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1888

About the author

Educated at Koningsberg University and the University of Berlin, Sudermann had to give up his studies because of financial difficulties. He worked for a time as a tutor before becoming a journalist in Bern, Switzerland. He returned to Germany in 1881 and became the editor of the Deutsches Reichsblatt. Thereafter, he devoted himself to writing. In 1886, he published Zweilicht, his first novel, and followed in 1887 with Frau Sorge, which was critically acclaimed. His first drama, Die Ehre, or The Honour appeared in 1889 and was enormously successful. Sudermann also produced a number of short stories. His other works include Geschwister (1888), Der Katzensteg (1890), Sodoms Ende (1891), Die Heimat (1893), Morituri (1896), Es Lebe das Leben! (1902), Es War (1904) and Stein unter Steinen (1905).

Reviews

[Johanna FRamírez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maravillosa historia! Siendo un autor desconocido para mi, el título del libro, aparentemente simple, logró llenarme de curiosidad. No esperaba encontrarme con una historia tan encantadora, con personajes tan intensos y enigmáticos. Para ser una novela corta, desarrolla con maestría y solidez una interesante exploración psicológica sobre los pecados y deseos oscuros que van creciendo en el alma de una inocente y tierna muchacha. Lo más interesante y acaso sublime de la novela es que, no son otros sino ella misma, quién se va descubriendo a si misma en su faceta más sombría. Es su propia e implacable mirada la que nos enseña, tanto su espíritu apasionado como su más terrible deseo. Recomendada mil veces.

[Marianna González · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buena prosa, hermosa la descripción del sentimiento de la protagonista y de su percepción de los espacios. Gran reflexión de la moral humana ante grandes emociones y deseos que pueden ir más allá de la misma cordura.

[Brendy García · Rating 1 out of 5]

me aburrio muchisimo, posiblemente no me encontraba en el animo adecuado para el libro

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

mek

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Diomar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libro que describe el perfil psicológico de los personajes, la lucha interna entre valores y normas.
El final , caracterizado por la pasión y trágico.

[Addison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend!