Effi Briest by Theodor Fontane

Theodor Fontane’s realist novel, first published as a book in 1896, has been described by Thomas Mann as one of his six favorite novels. 

Effi von Briest is a seventeen-year-old girl who loves nothing more than gossiping with her friends and playing on the swing at her parents’ home. Her childhood is brought to an abrupt end when Baron Geert von Innstetten, an old flame of Effi’s mother, arrives. He is now a politician with a good future ahead of him and the von Briests determine that the 38-year-old workaholic would make a suitable husband for their young daughter.

The newly married Effi moves to Innstetten’s house but she is homesick and bored. Her husband’s obsession with work and his cool emotions take their toll on the sensitive Effi. Soon she comes appreciate the attentions of Major von Crampas and to her life starts to spiral out of control.