Appearing for the first time in English, this delightful story of the adventures of twelve young girls will appeal to readers of all ages. Gritta, neglected by her father, is uprooted when her new stepmother insists she enter a convent school. Strictly supervised by the nun Sequestra, Gritta slips into melancholy. A mishandled bird, however, awakens Gritta to the realization that she and her friends must flee their walled-in life. Following her heart and employing her wits, Gritta leads the escape. The runaway girls are eventually shipwrecked near the principality of Sumbona. They establish a Robinson Crusoelike existence and later found their own cloister.
Their community is sustained by the industry and talents of each of the girls. Mayeli paints, Harmony composes, and Wildberry, an herbalist, learns natures secrets and gains access to supernatural powers that will guarantee the future of the community. Gritta chooses to marry Prince Bonus of Sumbona, but when she sees the twelve cells in the cloister, she realizes with a pang of longing that she will never occupy the one meant for her.
This enchanting tale, coauthored in the early 1840s by Gisela von Arnim Grimm and her mother, Bettine von Arnim, lay undiscovered in an archive for nearly a century. Through humor and delicate satire, the authors criticize the place of women and children in nineteenth-century German society.
Embark on a captivating adventure with "The Life of High Countess Gritta von Ratsinourhouse," a rediscovered gem of 19th-century German literature, now available in English for the first time. This enchanting tale, co-authored by the visionary Bettine von Arnim, a prominent figure in German Romanticism, and her daughter, Gisela von Arnim Grimm, offers a delightful blend of humor, satire, and heartwarming camaraderie that will resonate with readers of all ages. Dive into the world of Gritta, a young girl feeling lost and neglected, whose life takes an unexpected turn when her stepmother decides to enroll her in a strict convent school. Under the watchful eye of the stern nun Sequestra, Gritta finds herself yearning for freedom and connection. A simple act of compassion towards a wounded bird sparks a rebellion within her, igniting a desire to escape the confines of her walled-in existence. Driven by her heart and fueled by her sharp wit, Gritta orchestrates a daring escape with her newfound friends. Their journey leads them to a remote island near the principality of Sumbona, where they face the challenges of survival and create a flourishing Robinson Crusoe-like community. Drawing on their unique talents and skills, the girls establish a self-sufficient haven, where Mayeli's artistic flair brings beauty to their surroundings, Harmony's musical compositions fill their days with joy, and Wildberry's knowledge of herbal medicine and nature's secrets empowers them with supernatural abilities that ensure the safety and prosperity of their settlement. As Gritta contemplates her future, she finds herself drawn to Prince Bonus of Sumbona, and a possible marriage looms. However, a visit to the newly established cloister, complete with twelve empty cells, awakens a sense of longing within her, a realization that perhaps her true calling lies elsewhere. This poignant moment underscores the novel's deeper exploration of female identity, societal expectations, and the yearning for self-discovery. "The Life of High Countess Gritta von Ratsinourhouse" is more than just an adventure story; it's a subtle yet powerful critique of the restrictive roles imposed on women and children in 19th-century German society. Through their clever use of humor and delicate satire, Bettine and Gisela von Arnim challenge the status quo, inviting readers to question the conventional norms and embrace the transformative power of female solidarity and self-reliance. This recently rediscovered work offers a unique perspective on the complexities of womanhood, highlighting the importance of female relationships and the pursuit of individual fulfillment. The novel's blend of fantasy, adventure, and social commentary makes it a valuable addition to the European Women Writers series, offering a compelling glimpse into the lives and experiences of women in a bygone era. Rediscover this hidden literary treasure and experience the magic of Gritta's journey for yourself. This paperback edition published by Bison Books is a must-have for lovers of classic literature, historical fiction, and stories featuring strong female characters. With 154 pages of enthralling prose, "The Life of High Countess Gritta von Ratsinourhouse" is a timeless tale that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.