Phantasten   By: Erich von Mendelssohn (-1913)

Phantasten by Erich von Mendelssohn is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex inner workings of the human mind. The story follows a group of artists and intellectuals as they navigate the tumultuous political landscape of pre-war Europe, grappling with their own desires, fears, and ambitions.

Mendelssohn's writing is rich and evocative, painting a vivid portrait of a society on the brink of collapse. The characters are deeply flawed and compelling, each struggling to find their place in a world that seems bent on tearing itself apart.

One of the most striking aspects of Phantasten is its exploration of the nature of creativity and the power of art to transcend the horrors of war and political upheaval. Mendelssohn skillfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and redemption, creating a novel that is both profoundly moving and intellectually stimulating.

Overall, Phantasten is a masterful work of historical fiction that will leave readers thinking long after they have finished reading. Mendelssohn's prose is lyrical and engaging, drawing the reader into a world that is at once familiar and foreign. I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a deep and rewarding reading experience.

First Page:

Als Paul Seebeck auf das Deck hinaus trat, schlug er den Kragen seines langen, englischen Überziehers hoch und schaute sich um. Ein Augenblick genügte ihm, um festzustellen, daß er ganz allein war. Wohl hatte ihm der Kapitän ein für allemal die Erlaubnis gegeben, so oft es ihm gefiele zu ihm auf die Kommandobrücke zu kommen denn Seebeck störte nie, am wenigsten durch unnötige Fragen, seine Anwesenheit verkürzte dagegen die lange Wacht doch Paul Seebeck scheute sich, die anderen Passagiere auf seine bevorzugte Stellung aufmerksam zu machen, um dem Kapitän keine Unannehmlichkeiten zu bereiten... Continue reading book >>