By CB89010
02-Mar-2010

Gotthelf, Jeremias: Elsi, die seltsame Magd (Classic Fiction)  

'Elsi die seltsame Magd' (Elsi, the strange maid) is the story of a struggling mind which is in some way incapable to communicate with the close ones until it is, at least in worldly terms, too late.

The narrative takes place in Switzerland at the end of the 18th century and culminates into the events where the French army is attacking and finally occupying the country.

The main protagonist Elsi, daughter of a down and out, once rich miller, for fear of shame and ridicule shows herself unable to make use of the manifold possibilities life seems to offer her. She chooses to work as a farm girl, which is an occupation far below her possibilities. Elsi's inner turnaround in the feelings about Christen --a noble neighborhood farmer and admirer of hers with whom a closer contact seems to be in the air --is taking place against a background situation overhung with uncertainty, bearing the ill-fated spirit of a looming war. In the end, with the first war hostilities going on, the two lovers die, entering hand in hand the realm where "nothing any longer stands between souls having found each other".

For me, what Gotthelf has to say to a modern audience is: Even though there is no such thing as a totally hopeless situation, there still may be developments that can finally grow to insurmountable obstacles for us as individuals if we are too hesitant in acting. We should not let circumstances stop us from getting in touch with people, but consider ourselves worthy to be part of life.

The originality in the language is breathing to a 21st century listener, its rich imagery and subtlety make this 70 minutes German language audiobook an even more enriching and evocative listening experience.

Claudio Brändlin
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