Thomas Mann's first novel traces the decline of a wealthy merchant family in the north German city of Lübeck across four generations, from the 1830s to the 1870s. The Buddenbrooks begin as pillars of the grain trade, but as the family moves from practical business sense toward refinement, health and sensitivity decline. Thomas, the head of the firm, wears himself out keeping up appearances, his sister Tony suffers through failed marriages, and his brother Christian drifts into hypochondria and idleness.
It is for readers who like long family chronicles with detailed social settings and a sense of slow change. It suits those who want to see how Mann studied the relationship between business success and artistic temperament.
Deep, contemplative and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Wisdom Collector. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1991
- Publisher
- Fischer Taschenbuch Verlag
- Language
- DE
