Germanske og nordiske sprog

Die beiden Schwestern Poppy und Rose waren sich früher so nah wie beste Freundinnen. Doch seit mehr als zehn Jahren haben sie nicht mehr miteinander gesprochen – bis sie durch einen Anruf erfahren, dass ihre Mutter Andrea gestorben ist. Deren größter Wunsch war es, ihre Töchter wieder versöhnt zu sehen. Deshalb hat sie ihnen etwas ganz Besonderes hinterlassen: 26 Aufgaben von A – Z, die die Schwestern zusammen angehen müssen. Als Rose und Poppy sich widerstrebend daran machen, Andreas letzten Willen zu erfüllen, beginnt eine bewegende Reise ...

Vor drei Jahren hat Bella ihre Heimatstadt verlassen, um ihren Traummann, den bereits vergebenen Dominic, endlich zu vergessen. Nun lebt sie in den idyllischen Cotswolds, arbeitet erfolgreich als Immobilienmaklerin – und ist mit dem smarten Nevil liiert. Doch irgendwann beschleicht sie das Gefühl, dass Nevil etwas vor ihr verheimlicht. Und als eines Tages Dominic auftaucht, den die Suche nach seinem Wunschhaus in die Gegend geführt hat, geraten ihre Gefühle erneut in Aufruhr. Dabei ist sie über Dominic doch längst hinweg. Oder nicht?

Nach einer schmerzhaften Trennung flüchtet sich die Journalistin Sophie nach New York. Sie fühlt sich schnell wohl in dem kleinen Apartment in Brooklyn. Jeden Morgen betört sie der köstliche Duft aus der Bäckerei im Erdgeschoss, mit deren Besitzerin Bella sie schnell Freundschaft schließt. Auch Bellas attraktiven Cousin Todd lernt sie dort kennen. Er kann sich ebenfalls für gutes Essen begeistern – und für Sophie. Aber warum warnt Bella vor seinem Charme und seiner Bindungsangst?

Seit Jahren war Ariane nicht mehr in ihrer Heimat Schweden und dem roten Holzhaus ihrer Eltern am See. Als ihr Leben in Deutschland zusammenbricht – sie verliert ihren Job, beendet eine Beziehung und bekommt die Nachricht vom Tod ihres Vaters – reist Ariane nach Schweden. Sie erfährt, dass ihr Vater ein bisher unauffindbares Manuskript mit der Geschichte ihrer Familie hinterlassen hat. Ariane macht sich auf die Suche und trifft jemanden, der mehr zu wissen scheint: den verschwiegenen Wildhüter Jago.

Die entstellte Leiche eines Sylter Pastors im Keller eines ausgebrannten Hauses. Eine Wasserleiche am Strand. Ein alter Mann, vergiftet mit einem Drogencocktail. Kaum meinen Liv Lammers und ihre Kollegen von der Flensburger Kriminalpolizei, eine heiße Spur zu haben, geschieht ein neuer Mord und alles rückt in ein völlig neues Licht. Unter der glänzenden Oberfläche tun sich Abgründe auf – auch bei der Polizei. Denn ein Unbekannter platziert "Beweise", um Livs Ermittlungen in die falsche Richtung zu lenken ...

Spannung pur aus Schweden.Zack Herry wird zu einem Tatort auf einer Insel im Schärengarten gerufen. Als er dort eintrifft, erwartet ihn das pure Grauen. Sechs Jugendliche wurden nach einer ausgelassenen Party tot aufgefunden. Alle haben Schnittwunden, zahlreiche Körperteile sind verstümmelt. Bis auf die Wunden ist keine Fremdeinwirkung feststellbar. Handelt es sich womöglich um einen Massenselbstmord? Die Blutuntersuchung zeigt, dass alle Jugendlichen zum Todeszeitpunkt ein hoch dosiertes Schmerzmittel und einen weiteren Wirkstoff im Körper hatten...»Der skandinavische Thriller hat einen neuen Helden: Zack Herry. Ein cooler Mix aus Lisbeth Salander und Harry Hole.« - Le Monde, Frankreich

Ein spektakulär temporeicher Thriller.Zack Herry hat eine glänzende Karriere bei der Stockholmer Polizei hingelegt. Als Mitglied einer Sonderkommission jagt der junge Polizist die Kriminellen der Unterwelt. Nachts zeigt sich jedoch seine dunkle Seite. Zack hängt in Clubs ab und konsumiert unkontrolliert Kokain. Während ihm die internen Ermittler auf den Fersen sind, versucht er herauszufinden, warum vier thailändische Frauen in einem Massagesalon hingerichtet wurden. Handelten die Mörder aus blindem Frauenhass oder steckt ein rassistisches Motiv dahinter? Doch woher stammen die brutalen Bisswunden am Körper einer der Frauen?»Der skandinavische Thriller hat einen neuen Helden: Zack Herry. Ein cooler Mix aus Lisbeth Salander und Harry Hole.« - Le Monde, Frankreich

"The Four Just Men" is one of the best known detective thrillers of Edgar Wallace, following the vigilante missions of four men, sworn to punish those who escape justice. An excellent cat-and-mouse novel, engaging the reader in all kinds of convoluted and mysterious scenarios, the book is praised for its compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and excellent pacing. On the whole, it is a quick read that one can devour while sunbathing or relaxing under a shade. Five sequels followed, and at least three movie adaptations.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that one of his publishers claimed that he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, he wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays, historical non-fiction, etc. Today, more than 160 films have been made from his work. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, "King Kong".

An example of Poe’s mystery-laden and dream-oriented short stories, "A Tale of the Rugged Mountains" offers unique perspective on important notions at the time – mesmerism, alternative medicine, and time-travel. Throughout the narrative, the reader is constantly bombarded with picturesque descriptions, bizarre occurrences, and eerie sounds, turning the storytelling into some sort of a mesmeric procedure. Often criticized for its lack of lucidity and increasing reliance upon ambiguity, Poe’s short story is a perfect supernatural work that can also trick the reader into believing that the happenings are quite real.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

A classic detective short story shrouded in mystery, "Marie Rogêt" features Poe’s famour investigator C. Auguste Dupin trying to solve a murder case. Based upon an actual murder, the short story is an intricate narrative revolving around floating dead bodies, strange suicides, phials of poison, and the power of newspapers to solve the gruesome murder. Cumbersome and rather slow-paced, the story is also often labelled as Poe’s least successful among his detective works. On the other hand, it can easily be read as an episode from the CSI TV series, indulging in sneaky situations and hypothetical resolutions.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

"He tried to rise, but two ill-savoured Tartars were already sitting on him and binding his hands behind his back."Two Russian soldier are kidnapped by their rivals while serving in the Caucasus. One is resourceful and optimistic and spends his time in captivity looking for a way to escape; the other is pessimistic and lazy and only complains. One day, they try to escape.The Prisoner in The Caucasus is based on a real incident from Tolstoy’s soldier days. It is about the power of military brotherhood and being of use to your enemy. Tolstoy helps the reader see the human side in every character and underlines all the things people have in common across enemy lines.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include "War and Peace" (1865–69) and "Anna Karenina" (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.

"The Cask of Amontillado" is a classic revenge story where an insulted man, Montresor, exacts his vengeance upon the drunk Fortunato. Just like "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Black Cat", Poe offers the perspective to the perpetrator of the vile deed, who descends into madness with every step of his narrative. What begins like a normal wine-tasting journey is about to become a sinister plunge into oblivion, as Montresor’s insulted, yet clearly mad psyche, leads his victim to the very bowels of hell. The story has inspired numerous adaptations in terms of movies, music, stage performances, and even children books.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

Drei, fünf oder acht Minuten: Wie lange soll die Gutenachtgeschichte heute dauern? Mit den abwechslungsreichen Erzählungen rund um die Zahnfee, Nachtwanderungen, Kuscheltiere, Prinzessinnen und Zauberbetten gleiten Kinder sanft in die Welt der Träume. Ein Hörbuch mit Einschlaf-Garantie!

Ein Buch zum Vorlesen, für das immer Zeit ist! In Maren von Klitzing Vorlesebuch gibt es Geschichten, die drei, fünf oder acht Minuten lang sind. Die Geschichten erzählen von Tagen am Meer, von Gespenstern, von Abenteuern und Prinzessinnen. Für jeden Geschmack ist eine Geschichte dabei und Groß und Klein werden durch Humor und Witz kaum aufhören können zu lachen. Maren von Klitzing ist eine deutsche Redakteurin und Autorin. Sie wurde in Hamburg geboren, wo sie bis heute lebt, und arbeitete zunächst als Redakteurin für ein Kinder-Umweltmagazin. Seit 2001 arbeitet sie als Autorin für Kinder und Jugendliche. Besonders beliebt sind ihre Geschichten zum Vorlesen mit unterschiedlicher Länge.

Eigentlich sind Jenny, Charlotte und Wilma fest entschlossen, ihrem Leben ein Ende zu setzen. Felsenfest. Wirklich! Nur irgendwie geht dabei ständig etwas schief. Als sie eines Abends beschließen, von einer Brücke zu springen, stellen sie einhellig fest, dass es da viel zu tief runter geht ... Folgerichtig wird die nächste Tankstelle geentert, um sich erst mal ordentlich Mut anzutrinken. Dabei gerät das trotzige Trio mitten in einen dilettantischen Raubüberfall. Kurz entschlossen bieten die Frauen sich den beiden Möchtegern-Gangstern als Geiseln an, und so nimmt eine höchst vergnügliche Reise zurück ins Leben ihren Lauf.

Mathilde Jägers, 81 Jahre alt, hat keine Manschetten, wenn es darum geht, rätselhaften Dingen auf den Grund zu gehen. Wie sie an einen persönlichen Erntehelfer kommt? Wo sie ihre letzten D-Mark-Reserven loswird? Und ob sie die nervigen Enkel nicht zur Abwechslung mal einer Leihoma aufs Auge drücken kann? Das wird man doch einfach mal fragen dürfen! Und so haut Frau Jägers in die Tasten ihrer Schreibmaschine, um Unternehmen, Ämtern und Online-Services den ein oder anderen Brief zu schreiben ...

Eine genial erzählte Geschichte über Menschlichkeit in einem der dunkelsten Kapitel der Weltgeschichte!Im Jahr 1944 tobt der Zweite Weltkrieg. Auf einem Bauernhof in Österreich taucht eines Tages das Flüchtlingsmädchen Nelli auf; traumatisiert, allein und ohne jegliche Erinnerung. Die Bauernfamilie Leithner nimmt die Jugendliche bei sich auf und versucht, ihr ein sicheres Zuhause zu bieten. Doch dann tritt ein weiterer Fremder in ihr Leben: ein junger Russe, dessen wertvollster Besitz ein geheimnisvolles Gemälde ist. Zwischen Nelli und ihm entspinnt sich eine Beziehung, aber bald droht der Krieg die Schicksalsgemeinschaft auf dem Hof einzuholen.

A non-fiction work by the author of "Uncle Tom’s Cabin", exploring the position of the American household from the second part of the 19th century. Stressing the inevitable aftermath of the Civil War, Stowe discusses the changes that occurred within the once homely, comfortable household as the heart of every family. Talking on subjects like "Homekeeping vs. Housekeeping", "Economy", "Home Religion" or "Is Woman a Worker?", Stowe is pointing at the complexities of life in the after-war period for women and housewives.A thorn in the angry and embittered eyes of the American South, Harriet Beecher Stowe was an American author and ardent abolitionist, whose most famous novel "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" became the fiercest attack on slavery at the time. Stowe’s influence steps across the boundaries of the literary, and enters the domain of the political, opening the eyes of the world towards the horrors of slavery. She also wrote travel memoirs, numerous articles, letters, and short stories.

"Poor Folk" is Dostoevsky’s first novel, exploring in the form of letters the unhappy and arduous strains of poverty. However, the novel is so much more. The author’s major prowess lies in the depiction of the human condition, a characteristic feature of Russian realism. The emotional struggles and the gruesome chasm that separates the two souls in love, never destined to be together, paints a devastating picture of the harshness of life. Definitely a must for any fan not only of Dostoevsky, but of Russian literature on the whole.Fyodor Dostoevsky was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological. He is most famous for the novels "Crime and Punishment", "The Idiot", and "The Brothers Karamazov". His literary legacy was met with mixed feelings, but remains gargantuan in its influence.

A thought-provoking and humorous real-life comedy, "That Pig of a Morin" shows us how some quite ordinary urges can turn devastating for the male character Morin. An innocent kiss sends the protagonist’s life into a state of topsyturvidom, and the result is an outrageous nickname that is here to stay. Maupassant’s skillful presentation of everyday situations and human relations provide additional colour to the farcical situation surrounding the character. A funny story that can appeal to all kinds of readers.Guy de Maupassant was a famous French writer, best known as one of finest practitioners of the French short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.

When a man ignores his last warning to pay pund100,000, it is his son who finds him dead on the next morning. Revolving around a mysterious circle, specializing in blackmail, called The Crimson Circle, Wallace’s novel is filled with all the prerequisites for a perfect detective story: a brilliant, almost all-knowing detective, superbly crafted criminal mastermind, strong women characters, and a dramatic twist in the end. The cliched, old-fashioned "suspect everyone" plot is perfect for a summer read and for those who like solving crimes on paper.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that one of his publishers claimed that he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, he wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays, historical non-fiction, etc. Today, more than 160 films have been made from his work. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, "King Kong".

Turgenev’s story is a striking example of a narrative that can easily stand the test of time. Portraying the life of a deaf Russian serf who makes a strong relationship with a rescued dog, the short story elaborately explores the problems and life conditions of Russian serfdom. What is more, the story is based on Turgenev’s own experience with a dog, with the rest of the characters modelled after his family members and friends. A tragic, but emotionally deep tale, "Mumu" is an example of the loneliness of human condition against the sad, tortured heart of society.Ivan Turgenev is universally acknowledged as one of the towering literary presences in Russian literature. A writer of novels and short stories, his oeuvre depict realistic, sympathetic, and often melancholic portrayals of the Russian serfdom and the aristocracy. He was also known for his popularization of Russian realism, the exquisite musical quality of his prose, and memorable characters. His best-known works include the novels "Fathers and Sons" and "On the Eve", as well as the short-story collection "A Sportsman Sketches".

A classic whodunit crime story, "The Man Who Knew" is about the death of a rich South Africa magnate, dealing with diamonds. The actual man who knows so much is Saul Arthur Mann, a walking encyclopedia and the constant envy of Scotland Yard. Wallace’s narrative pace is slow at times, hectic at others, but the overall effect is one of a decent detective novel with a lot of irony and parallel mysteries all around the place. Resembling the style of Agatha Christie, the complicated situations and style of Wallace is a perfect read for any diehard fan of detective fiction.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that one of his publishers claimed that he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, he wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays, historical non-fiction, etc. Today, more than 160 films have been made from his work. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, "King Kong".

A typical love story between Harry, the narrator, who comes to New York to work in the publishing business, and Eva, the daughter of a well-to-do financier on Wall Street. Excelling in narration and nostalgic feelings about the lost, nature-oriented American past, Stowe's novel focuses upon the importance of family, religion, and traditions. A nice and light reading, dealing with less harsh and painful topics than "e;Uncle Tom"e;, but indulging in some serious matters nonetheless. -

One of Dostoevsky’s shorter novels, "The Gambler" reflects the author’s own difficult and prolonged battles with gambling as one of his major addictions. It is the story of a young man with aspirations to see and go beyond the established order, but in reality only gets stuck deeper and deeper into addiction and degradation. Dostoevsky does a great job in painting the psychological portrait of the protagonist, Alexey, who is having difficulties finding meaning in life and himself. Fyodor Dostoevsky was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological. He is most famous for the novels "Crime and Punishment", "The Idiot", and "The Brothers Karamazov". His literary legacy was met with mixed feelings, but remains gargantuan in its influence.

"A Little Hero" is a short story that deals with the topic of pre-adolescence, maturity, the abandonment of pure childhood, and the resulting and inevitable discovery of the existence of sexual life. The protagonist is trying to understand the world of adults in every possible way, and faces problems at every turn. Interesting enough, this story lacks the trademark disaster and drama in the majority of Dostoevsky’s works, and is a light and humorous reading that does not even look written by him. It should be noted, of course, that Dostoevsky wrote it while he was in prison.Fyodor Dostoevsky was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological. He is most famous for the novels "Crime and Punishment", "The Idiot", and "The Brothers Karamazov". His literary legacy was met with mixed feelings, but remains gargantuan in its influence.

E. A. Poe’s short story follows Prince Prospero and his friends’ futile attempt to outrun and outsmart a deadly plague, called the Red Death. The heart of the story is presented as a masquerade where the guests revel in mirth and intoxication, oblivious of the horrors that await them. The author’s narrative techniques revolve around symbolism (number seven, the clock, the black chamber) and provides an allegorical halo around the short story. Witnessing his wife’s suffering from tuberculosis and the ravages of cholera in Baltimore at the time, Poe imbues "The Mask" with an air of veracity, but the supernatural reigns supreme.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Most famous for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and macabre, he is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction. His most famous works include "The Raven" (1945), "The Black Cat" (1943), and "The Gold-Bug" (1843).

"In the Wood" is a romantic and humorous story about two middle-aged lovers who decide to revisit the spot of their first acquaintance in order to rekindle their love life. Little do they know that a policeman is about to ruin their frivolous decision. Maupassant’s knowledge of the human soul and his elegant handling of natural surroundings create a vivid atmosphere where love and memories create a symphony that echoes in the hearts of everyone involved. A perfect light reading for relaxation and poetry-lovers.Guy de Maupassant was a famous French writer, best known as one of finest practitioners of the French short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.

Being Maupassant's second-published novel, "e;Bel Ami"e; follows the vile and corrupt rags-to-riches rise to power of Georges Duroy, a young man of endless opportunities, but easily corrupted by the shining facade of power. The protagonist's self-centred way of life involves his derogatory attitude towards women, sexual encounters, corrupt politicians, and money. The novel is a strong social critique of Maupassant against the egotistical urges in a money- and power-driven society. A Hollywood production came in 2012, starring Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman. -

"Beside Schopenhauer’s Corpse" is often labelled one of Maupassant’s "newspaper stories" that he indulged in between 1882 and 1887. The narrator meets a dying student of Schopenhauer’s who is reading the same book by his master over and over again. A haunting tale expressing the author’s own views on Schopenhauer’s pessimistic philosophy. What is more, the reminiscences of the dying disciple often verge on the grotesque and carnal, viewing death as an ugly end, not a poetic final stop.Guy de Maupassant was a famous French writer, best known as one of finest practitioners of the French short story. Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life. One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time such as Emile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev. Some of his best known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry.