Title: Schloß Gripsholm. Eine Sommergeschichte
Author: Kurt Tucholsky
First published January 1, 1931
141 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9783866155145 (ISBN10: 386615514X)
Rating: 3.79
Overview
Lydia and Peter are a modern couple, unmarried, uncomplicated, and unsentimental. They embark on a journey from Berlin to Copenhagen where they experience seasickness and breathtaking views.
Upon reaching the Mälarsee, they discover their ideal holiday haven at Schloß Gripsholm, where they have ample space and time for fantastic word battles, outings, crossword puzzles, and a kiss. Peter’s bosom friend Karlchen comes to visit and immerses himself in a “deep bathtub of friendship” with the two.
Karlchen is followed by Billie, Lydia’s best friend, who encourages a tender and frivolous temporary love triangle. Except for the neighboring children’s home and its sadistic warden, no single cloud obscures the blue summer sky over Schloß Gripsholm.
Lydia and Peter try to help one of the German girls, Ada, who is among the warden’s tormented charges.
About the Author
Kurt Tucholsky was a notable journalist, satirist, and writer who hailed from Germany. He was known to write under different pseudonyms such as Kaspar Hauser, Peter Panter, Theobald Tiger, and Ignaz Wrobel.
Tucholsky was born in Berlin-Moabit and later moved to Paris in 1924 before finally settling in Sweden in 1930.
During the Weimar Republic, Tucholsky was considered one of the most influential journalists. He was politically active and served as the temporary co-editor of a weekly magazine.
His work was highly critical of societal issues, much like Heinrich Heine. Tucholsky was a versatile writer who dabbled in satire, political revues, songwriting, and poetry.
He identified as a left-wing democrat and pacifist. He was vocal about the dangers of anti-democratic practices, particularly within politics, the military, and justice.
He also warned against the rise of National Socialism, and unfortunately, his fears came true when the Nazis came to power in 1933. His books were burned as “Degenerate Art,” and he was stripped of his German citizenship.
Editoral Review
Schlo Gripsholm: Eine Sommergeschichte by Kurt Tucholsky is a classic work of literature that was first published in 1931. The author, Kurt Tucholsky, was a German writer and journalist who wrote during the Weimar Republic era.
He is widely considered to be one of the most important figures in German-language literature of the 20th century. Schlo Gripsholm is a beautifully crafted work that explores themes of love, loss, and the fragility of human existence.
The story is set in the summer of 1931 and follows the adventures of Lydia and her lover, the narrator. They are spending their summer vacation at Schlo Gripsholm, a castle in Sweden.
As they enjoy their time together, Lydia tells the narrator about the various men she has loved in her life, including one who died tragically young. The story is beautifully told and is full of rich detail and vivid imagery.
The book is significant because it explores the cultural and historical context of Germany during the Weimar Republic era. Tucholsky’s writing is a reflection of the social maladies that afflicted Germany during this time.
The book provides a glimpse into the lives of the German people during a time of great social and political upheaval. It also sheds light on the challenges of modernity and the tension between tradition and progress.
Schlo Gripsholm is a beautifully written book that showcases the author’s skill in storytelling. Tucholsky’s use of vivid imagery and lush prose bring the story to life.
The characters are complex and nuanced, and the pacing of the plot is perfectly calibrated, making for a compelling read. The themes of love, loss and the fragility of human existence are explored in a way that is both moving and thought-provoking.
One of the strengths of the book is its ability to transport the reader to another time and place. Tucholsky’s descriptions of the Swedish countryside and the castle are so vivid that they feel like a character in and of themselves.
The characters are also memorable, particularly Lydia, who is both tragic and compelling. There are very few weaknesses in Schlo Gripsholm, but one possible limitation is that the book may not be as accessible to readers who are unfamiliar with German history and culture.
However, this should not deter readers who are interested in beautiful prose and masterful storytelling. Overall, Schlo Gripsholm is a must-read for anyone interested in German literature, history, or culture.
It is a beautifully crafted work that explores some of the most profound themes of human existence. The book is a testament to Tucholsky’s skill as a writer, and it will undoubtedly endure as a classic of German literature.
I would give this book a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, based on its exceptional quality, writing style, and cultural significance.
