Quisisana; or, Rest at Last

"Quisisana; or, Rest at Last" by Friedrich Spielhagen is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story introduces us to Bertram, a man recovering from a serious illness, and his dynamic interactions with his servant, Konski, as well as the upcoming arrival of a lady named Lydia, whose connection to Bertram is steeped in tension and past wounds. The narrative delves into themes of love, loss, and the complexity of human relationships, particularly as Bertram grapples with the remnants of his past alongside the potential for new connections. At the start of the novel, Bertram is depicted in a state of discontent and physical malaise, having overindulged in champagne against medical advice. His servant, Konski, who is devoted yet pragmatic, tries to manage Bertram's needs while revealing snippets of local gossip regarding the imminent arrival of Lydia, a figure from Bertram's past who he seems eager to avoid. As Bertram journeys through his thoughts and childhood memories, he reflects on the complexities of his relationships, particularly with Lydia and his feelings of aging and regret. This opening sets the stage for exploration of unresolved emotions and the intricate dance of social expectations as Bertram's world begins to intersect with Lydia's once more. (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.