The Breaking of the Storm, Vol. III.

"The Breaking of the Storm, Vol. III" by Friedrich Spielhagen is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds through the experiences of several characters, particularly focusing on Elsa, who grapples with love and personal turmoil amidst societal expectations and family secrets. The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of choices made in the name of affection. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Elsa's emotional state as she confronts her feelings about a troubling incident involving her friend Carla and the Count. An inner conflict stirs within her as she considers the implications of these relationships, especially concerning her brother, Ottomar. As she seeks solace and clarity, she wanders through a melancholic landscape, eventually arriving at a farm where she encounters Herr Pölitz and his young wife. This visit reveals deeper layers of hardship and connection, setting the stage for the unfolding drama that intertwines their lives with Elsa's journey toward love and self-discovery. (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.