The Undying Past

"The Undying Past" by Hermann Sudermann is a novel that explores the intertwined lives of an aristocratic family and the societal expectations of the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of a quiet provincial town, the story begins at a railway station where the arrival of the von Kletzingk family creates a ripple of excitement and speculation. The family dynamic comes into focus as the gentle Ulrich is introduced as the Baron and Baroness' young son alongside his more outgoing brother, Leo. The family's journey is plagued by questions of familial duty, class, and the re-emergence of old conflicts, particularly involving a woman named Felicitas. Initial interactions and conversations reveal the personalities of the main characters and hint at hidden family secrets. The narrative sets the stage for intense family drama, and the characters' fates are set on a course filled with potential for both scandal and deep emotional turmoil.