Effi Briest

Theodor Fontane’s realist novel, first published as a book in 1896, has been described by Thomas Mann as one of his six favorite novels. Effi von Briest is a seventeen-year-old girl who loves nothing more than gossiping with her friends and playing on the swing at her parents’ home. Her childhood is brought to an abrupt end when Baron Geert von Innstetten, an old flame of Effi’s mother, arrives. He is now a politician with a good future ahead of him and the von Briests determine that the 38-year-old workaholic would make a suitable husband for their young daughter.The newly married Effi moves to Innstetten’s house but she is homesick and bored. Her husband’s obsession with work and his cool emotions take their toll on the sensitive Effi. Soon she comes appreciate the attentions of Major von Crampas and to her life starts to spiral out of control.

Theodor Fontane (1819-98) was a German novelist and political reporter. Along with Effi Briest, Fontane is remembered for Frau Jenny Treibel, an ironic criticism of middle-class hypocrisy and small-mindedness.

Hugh Rorrison has published extensively on modern German theatre and teaches German film at the University of Leeds.

Helen Chambers organised the first conference on English translations of Fontane in 1992 and teaches German at the University of St Andrews.