Modern: En Berättelse

''Modern: En Berättelse'' by Victoria Benedictsson and Axel Lundegård is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a complex relationship between a son, William Zimmermann, and his estranged mother, who he has not seen for many years. As they navigate their reunion, themes of familial obligation, societal expectations, and personal identity emerge. At the start of the narrative, two young men in a train station discuss one of their mothers, revealing William's mixed feelings toward her. Meanwhile, we meet the mother, arriving with her belongings and an old servant. Their first encounter is awkward and filled with tension, highlighting their estrangement and individual struggles. The opening sets the stage for exploring their relationship, where William grapples with feelings of obligation and indifference toward his mother, while she attempts to connect with him amidst the backdrop of her unconventional past as a traveler with an anatomical museum. The dynamics of their relationship promise to delve into deeper emotional and psychological complexities as the story unfolds.