Gradiva

The story revolves around Norbert Hanold, a young archaeologist captivated by a relief sculpture of a woman from Pompeii, whom he names Gradiva. His obsession leads him to believe she is alive, prompting a quest filled with vivid dreams and hallucinations that challenge his grasp on reality. As Hanold becomes more fixated on meeting Gradiva, he faces skepticism from friends and colleagues. This psychological novel delves into themes of obsession, desire, and the blurred lines between imagination and reality, marking its significance in German literature.