The Merchant of Berlin: An Historical Novel

"The Merchant of Berlin: An Historical Novel" by L. Mühlbach is a tale of love, wealth, and patriotism, set in Berlin during the Seven Years' War. The story centers on John Gotzkowsky, a rich merchant, as he deals with the impending arrival of the Russian army. His daughter, Elise, faces a difficult choice between her family and her love for Feodor von Brenda, a Russian officer, highlighting the clash between personal feelings and national duty. The novel begins with a tense atmosphere in Berlin, a city still recovering from war, where Gotzkowsky attempts to lift spirits with a festival for his workers, contrasting joy with the looming threat. The narrative also introduces Bertram, the devoted bookkeeper who loves Elise, and presents the dilemma of whether to fight or surrender, effectively setting the stage for complex emotional and moral struggles amid political turmoil.