Theodor Fontane

Theodor Fontane was a celebrated German novelist and poet, born on December 30, 1819, in Neuruppin, a quaint town near Berlin. Initially, he pursued a career in pharmacy, but his true passion for literature soon took him on a different path. Fontane became known for his keen observations of society and human nature, crafting narratives that often explored the complexities of relationships and the nuances of everyday life. His works reflect a deep understanding of the changing German landscape during the 19th century, and he is often regarded as a precursor to modern realism in literature.

Effi Briest (abridged)

Read by Margaret Espaillat


Theodor Fontane



Effi Briest is a classic of Prussian Realism, relatively unknown in the English speaking world, but widely taught in German schools. This tr…