The Prussian Lieutenant

by Karl May, Robert Stermscheg (Translator)

Paris, France-1814. The French emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, is defeated and faces banishment to Elba, while Prussian forces occupy the capital. A Hussar officer, Lieutenant Hugo von Löwenklau, comes to the rescue of a young Parisian woman, Margot Richemonte. This simple act, while ingratiating Hugo into her family, pits him against her calculating and opportunistic stepbrother, Captain Albin Richemonte. Albin is determined to marry her off to the wealthy Baron de Reillac, all in an effort to extricate himself from his own mounting gambling debts. In the face of Margot's blossoming romance with Hugo, the baron and the captain aren't about to let the lieutenant whisk the lady away. Stopping at nothing to rid themselves of Löwenklau-even murder-they concoct a daring plot, ultimately exposing Hugo to Napoleon's wrath. Outnumbered and overwhelmed, the lieutenant finds himself in the fight of his life, while trying to keep Margot out of the villains' clutches.

420 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Karl Friedrich May (also Karol May) was one of the best selling German writers of all time, noted mainly for books set in the American Old West, (best known for the characters of Winnetou and Old Shatterhand) and similar books set in the Orient and Middle East. In addition, he wrote stories set in his native Germany, in China and in South America.

May also wrote poetry and several plays, as well as composing music; he was proficient with several musical instruments. May's musical version of "Ave Maria" became very well known.

Reviews

[Emilio Abiusi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the Prussian Lieutenant as a fun historical swashbuckling novel.
Though the book feels like it was written 120 years ago, the modern translation brings a levity and pace to the story which kept this reader entertained throughout.
If you are looking for a fun, historical swashbuckling adventure that is easy to read, then you will love this book.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was first published in 1885 and takes place in France during the downfall of Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 1800s. It was written in German and translated into English. A Prussian Lieutenant comes to the rescue of a French Mademoiselle and it changes his life. An interesting observation is that most of the story is told in dialogue.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not think this book qualified as "my thing". I bought all three books in the series at a yard sale for pennies and the first one has not disappointed. It is very well-written/translated and the characters are well-developed and compelling. There is a great deal of history in the book and many confrontations (which I normally do not like, but they were very intriguing). There is a great deal of build-up to events and I didn't mind that either. I will definitely read books two and three, but will take a little break with something lighter next!

[Taryn Spearey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an interesting read. This is the story of a war between the Russians and the the Germans. Hugo von Lowenklau meets Margot, a young Parisian woman. The two fall for each other, and attempt to do everything they can to be together.

This book has the typical trope of a forbidden romance, to me. The two try to make it work, but, there's a plot going on to keep them apart.

I wasn't too surprised to see Richemonte trying to marry off Margot to a baron. He only did it because of his debts.

A great war novel for any fan of it!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written & translated. The story captures my interest from the first few lines & kept me intent on reading the story to the end. The history was enlightening as I had not known about that era at all. The love story, the adventure, the fight between good & evil kept me riveted until the end.

[Janis Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It's a fascinating fictional look at the war times between France and Prussia around 1814. It involves the return of Napoleon to France to try and recapture what was lost. The Prussian General Blücher is a central figure in the story.

I didn't know much about this time in history but after reading The Prussian Lieutenant I feel I know a little more and it has enticed me to research further into those times.

This work is a translation of a German writer, Karl May. Robert Stermscheg has done a marvellous job translating May's work into our modern English- no mean task when the original is from 1870s with colloquial German which I know we would not understand. Robert has even added fascinating translation notes at the back.

Besides the history, the story and the characters become real (even if they are not). I was captivated by the characters and the action. I cannot wait to read the sequels.

It was a story I couldn't put down and I found myself wanting to set aside more time to read. Thank you Robert for a truly inspiring read.

I was given this book and promised an honest review.

[Beatriz Miranda Da Cruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Livro original em alemão 1883-1885. Este soldado vem salvar uma moça e até se envolve num duelo para salvá-la.
Achei super meloso e não tão histórico