
Transcriber's Notes:
THE WISH
A NOVEL
BY - HERMANN SUDERMANN
TRANSLATED BY - LILY HENKEL
WITH A BIOGRAPHICAL INTRODUCTION BY - ELIZABETH LEE
INTRODUCTION.
THE WISH.
I.
II.
Set against the waning years of the nineteenth century, the novel opens with a keen eye on the cultural and social anxieties that colored Europe at the turn of the century. The narrative’s tone reflects a writer who refuses to be boxed into any single literary school, instead offering a vivid portrait of both the bustling metropolis and the stark frontier villages that shaped his life. From the very first pages, listeners are treated to thoughtful observations that capture the everyday struggles and fleeting moments of joy that define an era in transition.
At its heart lies a quietly powerful desire—a wish that propels a young protagonist through a world of rigid expectations and hidden longing. As the character navigates family obligations, social conventions, and personal ambitions, the story unfolds with a subtle blend of realism and tender introspection. The opening promises an intimate journey into human nature, inviting listeners to reflect on the timeless tension between what we have and what we yearn for.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (314K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
Release date
Oct 28, 2010
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1857–1928
Known for plays that stirred audiences with social conflict and strong emotion, this East Prussian writer became one of the best-known German dramatists of his time. His work helped bring naturalist themes to the stage while still reaching a broad popular audience.
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