What the Swallow Sang: A Novel

"What the Swallow Sang: A Novel" by Friedrich Spielhagen is a work of fiction written in the late 19th century. The narrative introduces the central character, Gotthold, a man returning to his childhood village after a long absence, evoking memories and emotions tied to his family, his past, and a lost love named Cecilia. The book likely delves into themes of nostalgia, memory, and the complexities of love and familial connections. At the start of the novel, we meet Gotthold as he arrives in a churchyard, deeply reflective about his past and his familial relationships, particularly with his deceased father. This opening scene quickly establishes a melancholic atmosphere as he navigates memories tied to his upbringing, his mother’s grave, and the painful recollections of his childhood. As he contemplates his once-forgotten love for Cecilia and engages in an unexpected encounter with her husband, Carl Brandow, his emotional turmoil becomes evident. The opening sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Gotthold's internal conflicts and the influences of his upbringing, indicating a narrative rich with emotional depth and character development. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Friedrich Spielhagen was a German novelist, literary theorist and translator. He tried a number of careers in his early 20s, but at 25 began writing and translating. His best known novel is Sturmflut and his novel In Reih' und Glied was quite successful in Russia.