About this book
Agnes Sapper's Kriegsbüchlein für unsere Kinder captures a family's life at the outbreak of World War I, presenting intimate war stories through the eyes of children. Published in 1914, this compelling fiction work follows the Lißmann family as their peaceful summer plans are suddenly disrupted by the declaration of war on August 4th. What begins as a restorative retreat in the Austrian Tyrol transforms into a gripping narrative of separation, uncertainty, and resilience.
Through interconnected episodes—from a farmhouse in remote Austria to the realities of military service and captivity—Sapper weaves together touching portraits of ordinary people navigating extraordinary circumstances. The author masterfully blends personal moments with the broader upheaval of conflict, exploring themes of duty, family bonds, and the human cost of war. Each chapter reveals how the war infiltrates daily life, affecting soldiers, prisoners, and those left behind waiting for news from distant battlefields.
This classic German literature work offers readers a distinctive perspective on the Great War, grounded in human emotion rather than grand strategy. Sapper's prose brings historical authenticity and emotional depth to her characters' experiences. Ideal for listeners interested in WWI history, family sagas, and intimate portrayals of how war reshapes ordinary lives, this audiobook remains a poignant reminder of war's far-reaching impact across generations.
