Der Moloch

A novel written in the early 20th century. The story opens with the introduction of Frau Ansorge and her son Arnold as they navigate a quiet yet tumultuous life on their estate in Podolin, a remote region marked by their recent tragedies and unsettling changes. The narrative sets up an exploration of societal norms, personal aspirations, and the struggles of these characters against external pressures, as Arnold's life is profoundly affected by his mother's protective nature and the abrupt events surrounding them. At the start of the novel, we see the Ansorge estate and learn about Frau Ansorge's tragic past, having lost her husband in a train accident. Following her husband's death, she moves to Podolin, determined to restore the dilapidated estate and shield her son from the world’s turbulence. Arnold grows up under his mother's strict and peculiar rules, which deeply influence his character. He displays a blend of introversion and a yearning for something beyond his immediate environment, instigated by his encounters with others in their small community. As Arnold enters adulthood, the intricacies of relationships, societal expectations, and his own inner turmoil begin to surface, setting the stage for the complexities that will unfold throughout the narrative.