Barbara Sauser Books

A Swiss orphan is heartbroken when she must leave her beloved grandfather and their happy home in the mountains to go to school and to care for an invalid girl in the city.

Adapted for A1 learners of German, including exercises.

The gift of a handsomely decorated, enigmatic nutcracker sets the stage for a Christmas like no other- there will be legends of ancient curses, battles with the dreaded Mouse King, and a visit to the wonderful Kingdom of Dolls. The inspiration for the classic ballet, E. T. A. Hoffmann's irresistible tale of magic and mystery continues to be the perfect encapsulation of a child's wonder at Christmas.

Telling the tragic tale of a socially advantageous but emotionally ruinous match, Theodor Fontane's novel, translated by Hugh Rorrison with an introduction by Helen Chambers, explores the life of young Effi Briest. Married to the austere and ambitious Baron von Innstetten, who is twice her age, Effi feels isolated and bored. Seeking comfort, she engages in a brief affair with the married Major Crampas, whose dangerous reputation intrigues her. Years later, as Effi has nearly forgotten her indiscretion, the secret resurfaces, leading to devastating consequences. Fontane's taut, ironic prose reveals a world where the joys of life and sexuality are suppressed by societal pretenses and obligations. This humane, unsentimental portrayal captures a young woman's struggle between her roles as a wife and mother and her own desires. Rorrison's modern translation is complemented by Chambers' introduction, which draws parallels between Effi and other literary heroines like Emma Bovary and Anna Karenina. Fontane (1819-98) is also known for his critique of middle-class hypocrisy in works such as Frau Jenny Treibel. Readers who appreciate this novel may also find resonance in Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. Hermione Lee from the Sunday Times reflects on the haunting quality of the narrative, suggesting its emotional depth.

War die Schule früher besser als heute? Werden die Schüler zu einem unmenschlichen Lerntempo gezwungen? Machen die Schülerinnen im Grunde überhaupt nichts? Können die Schüler weder schreiben, lesen noch rechnen? Können die Lehrerinnen weder schreiben, lesen noch rechnen? Tausend Fragen umschwirren die Schule, tausend Urteile, die wir aus unserer eigenen Vergangenheit beziehen, tausend Vorurteile. Fabio Pusterla stellt sich ihnen. Ausgehend von kleineren und grösseren Begebenheiten in seinem Unterrichtsalltag überlegt er unvoreingenommen, warum etwas gelingt, etwas anderes nicht. Er erzählt von notwendigen Provokationen, vom Fordern und Vorbild-Sein, von den fachlichen Anforderungen und menschlichen Beziehungen. Pusterlas Reflexionen über die Schule berühren, weil sie von einem tief humanen Engagement für die Entwicklung junger Menschen geprägt sind.

Themen: Freundschaft, Abenteuer, Eifersucht, Gefühle.