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“Christine” is an epistolary World War I novel told through the letters of a young Englishwoman studying in Germany, offering a deeply personal perspective on love, fear, and cultural tensions during the war.
Main Category: Epistolary
Sub-Categories: Psychological | Social Commentary | War
About the Book:
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Christine
It’s queer, the atmosphere here,—in this house, in the streets, wherever one goes. They all seem to be in a condition of tension—of intense, tightly-strung waiting, very like that breathless expectancy in the last act of ‘Tristan’…”
Christine, first published in 1917 under the pseudonym Alice Cholmondeley, is a poignant epistolary novel by Elizabeth von Arnim.
Told through a series of letters from a young English violinist studying in Germany just before the outbreak of World War I, the book captures the innocence, optimism, and emotional depth of a girl on the cusp of adulthood—unaware of the tragedy that awaits.
The letters offer a vivid portrait of pre-war Germany, filtered through Christine’s sensitive and observant voice.
Originally presented as nonfiction, Christine was later revealed to be a work of fiction and a powerful piece of British wartime propaganda.
Von Arnim’s masterful use of pathos and her ability to evoke maternal empathy made the book a compelling tool for shaping public sentiment.
Today, it remains a fascinating historical artifact and a moving literary experience, blending personal longing with the looming shadow of global conflict.
Faithfully republished here in its original form, this beautifully formatted edition of Christine preserves the original text, immersing readers in the rich language and societal nuances of the World War I era.
Special Features:
Crafted with care and formatted with attention to detail, this edition offers a luxurious reading experience designed for your comfort and enjoyment.
Printed in a clear, easy-to-read 12-point font with generous margins on cream paper, it provides a visually pleasing and immersive journey through the pages.
Beautifully bound with a captivating cover design, this book is one to treasure—a timeless classic you will enjoy for years to come!
About the Author:
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Elizabeth von Arnim
Elizabeth von Arnim (1866–1941), born Mary Annette Beauchamp, was an Australian-born English novelist best known for Elizabeth and Her German Garden and The Enchanted April.
Her witty, insightful stories explore women’s inner lives, often set against lush natural backdrops. Married to a German count and later connected with notable figures like H.-G. Wells and Bertrand Russell’s family, von Arnim drew on a remarkable life for inspiration.
Her novels remain timeless blends of humor, candor, and elegant prose.
