Begierde: Ein Berliner Roman

''Begierde: Ein Berliner Roman'' by Jolanthe Marès is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in Berlin and introduces us to several characters navigating societal expectations around relationships, personal ambitions, and the quest for fulfillment. It delves into the lives of women grappling with the notions of love and desire against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. At the start of the novel, we meet Miss Webb, an American woman, who is astonished at the elegance of German women, contradicting the stereotypes she grew up with. Her conversation with Lotte Wunsch reveals differing perspectives on motherhood, career, and the societal roles of women. The narrative then transitions to introduce Fräulein von Wangenheim, an aspiring artist who yearns for recognition but has experienced men’s predatory behavior, leading her to question her aspirations and the morality of love in her life. Throughout these exchanges, the characters embody the struggles of women seeking identity and place in both their personal lives and the broader artistic community in Berlin.