
A modestly sized volume of turn‑of‑the‑century German prose gathers several tightly woven tales that explore everyday struggles with quiet dignity. In the opening story a young doctor, shaped by a harsh childhood and the stubborn love of his ninety‑year‑old grandmother, battles hunger, ambition and the relentless pressure to prove himself. As he claws his way from a cramped cellar to a respectable practice, the narrative sketches his physical transformation, his growing reputation, and the uneasy balance between self‑advancement and duty to those who have borne him.
The author's keen eye for social detail and inner conflict renders the protagonist’s world both specific and universal, inviting listeners to contemplate the cost of success and the fragile ties that hold families together. The language, though rooted in its era, flows with a clear rhythm that makes the period feel immediate, while the subtle humor and tender moments keep the story engaging from the very first scene. This collection offers a thoughtful listening experience for anyone interested in character‑driven stories that blend realism with quiet moral inquiry.
Language
de
Duration
~6 hours (346K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Eleni Christofaki, Jana Srna, Alexander Bauer and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2012-06-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1830–1916
A sharp-eyed Austrian writer and moral thinker, she became famous for novels, stories, and aphorisms that mix wit with deep sympathy for ordinary lives. Her work often explores class, conscience, and the quiet pressures of society.
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