Christine by Elizabeth Von Arnim

Description

Christine by Alice Cholmondeley is a novel written during the early 20th century. The book explores the life and thoughts of its titular character, Christine, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery through her pursuit of music in pre-World War I Germany, while also reflecting on her close relationship with her mother. The narrative captures the complexities of familial bonds and the impending social and political upheaval during that time. The opening of Christine introduces us to the protagonist’s world through a poignant letter from her mother, revealing that Christine has just died from pneumonia, and the letters she wrote before her death offer insight into her vibrant spirit. From Berlin, Christine communicates her excitement about pursuing her music studies and her affection for her mother, while navigating the challenges of living in a foreign country and grappling with the disdainful attitudes towards her English identity. The letters convey her aspirations, insecurities, and interactions with her German surroundings, hinting at a tension beneath the surface as Europe stands on the brink of war. Throughout, there is a palpable sense of longing for home and family, creating an emotional backdrop for Christine’s experiences. (This is an automatically generated summary.)