613 Results with the "Historical Fiction" genre


    • The Sum of Angles Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Werner is called into the office of Dr. Hauptmann, a professor whose study is filled with scientific curiosities and guarded by elegant hounds. The atmosphere is tense as Werner notices the imposing presence of Frank Volkheimer, a legendary upperclassman whose physical prowess and rumored brutality loom large in the academy's lore. Hauptmann immediately tests Werner's knowledge of trigonometry, presenting him with a formula to solve. Despite the intimidating environment—Volkheimer's watchful gaze, the…
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      Vienna

      Vienna Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter introduces Sergeant Major Reinhold von Rumpel, a 41-year-old gemologist with a keen eye for diamonds and a meticulous nature. His personal life includes a compliant wife who collects porcelain kittens and two daughters, one of whom writes earnest letters filled with patriotic fervor. Von Rumpel’s expertise in gemology, honed through studies in crystallography and apprenticeships, has allowed him to handle rare stones, including a 92-carat raw diamond in London. His pre-war life as a…
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      The Boches

      The Boches Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter depicts the arrival of German soldiers, referred to as "Boches," in the French town of Saint-Malo through the observations of Marie-Laure and her father. The Germans are described as impeccably dressed, their uniforms spotless, as if they’ve never seen battle. The townspeople note their voracious consumption of local goods, from postcards to champagne, while whispers of Hitler touring Paris underscore the surreal tension. Curfews and bans on music and public gatherings are imposed, leaving…
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      Etienne

      Etienne Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Marie-Laure, a blind girl, discovering a trail of seashells leading to her great-uncle Etienne's room on the fifth floor. The shells, carefully placed, guide her to his door, where she hears the faint sounds of multiple pianos playing. Upon entering, she finds his room surprisingly fresh, smelling of soap and books, unlike the expected mustiness of an elderly person's space. Etienne greets her warmly, his voice soft and comforting, and apologizes for not meeting her sooner, setting…
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      Jungmänner

      Jungmänner Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with a vivid description of a castle-like boarding school where Werner, the protagonist, arrives to begin his training. The setting is picturesque yet austere, with strict rules enforced by a one-armed bunk master. The boys are stripped of personal possessions and individuality, molded into a uniform collective through rigorous discipline. The atmosphere is one of militaristic precision, with an emphasis on duty, sacrifice, and nationalistic fervor. Werner, though initially awed by the…
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      Occuper

      Occuper Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Marie-Laure awakens in an unfamiliar, cramped bedroom in her great-uncle Etienne's multi-story house, disoriented by the faint smell of mildew and the distant roar of what might be the sea. Blind since childhood, she navigates the narrow space with caution, her heels still sore from an unexplained injury. The house feels ancient and peculiar, with windows out of reach and furniture arranged awkwardly. Madame Manec, the housekeeper, arrives to assist her, revealing snippets about the reclusive Etienne, who…
    • Don’t Tell Lies Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter "Don’t Tell Lies" follows Werner, a young boy on the verge of leaving for Schulpforta, a prestigious school in Germany. He is torn between excitement for his future and haunting visions of a traumatic incident during his entrance exams. His sister Jutta, however, is visibly unhappy about his departure, avoiding conversations and refusing to share his enthusiasm. Werner struggles to understand her resistance, while his friends Martin and Siegfried eagerly ask about the school’s militaristic…
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      Madame Manec

      Madame Manec Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Marie-Laure and her father arrive at the home of Madame Manec, an old family friend, who is initially astonished to see them. The warmth and efficiency of Madame Manec’s welcome contrasts sharply with the hardships of their journey. She immediately tends to Marie-Laure’s needs, offering her water, a warm towel, and a comforting presence. The kitchen, filled with the aromas of herbs and cooking food, becomes a sanctuary, highlighting the stark difference between the chaos outside and the safety…
    • You Have Been Called Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Werner, a young boy, returning to Children's House after taking exams for a prestigious institute. The other children are fascinated by his experiences, bombarding him with questions about the tests, food, and military aspects. Werner, however, remains uncertain about his chances of acceptance, despite his peers' admiration. His purchase of a basic radio, which only plays state-approved programs, delights the children but fails to impress his sister Jutta, who remains distant. The…
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      Entrance Exam

      Entrance Exam Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter "Entrance Exam" depicts Werner's grueling experience at the National Political Institutes of Education selection process in Essen. Held in a sweltering dance hall adorned with war ministry flags, the eight-day exam tests physical endurance, racial purity, and ideological loyalty. One hundred boys, clad in identical white uniforms, undergo rigorous physical drills, including obstacle courses and rope climbs, while Werner struggles with his physical limitations. The atmosphere is tense and…
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