November, apart from everything else going on, is German Lit Month, this year hosted by lovely Lizzy at Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2) – you can find out more on her site here. This is an event I always like to take part in, and I was determined to do so this year; there’s also Non-Fiction November and Novellas in November, and pleasingly today’s slim volume counts for the latter of those two events! As you may have noticed from my October round-up, I did actually finish this book last month – but as usual I’m playing catch up with reviews! Anyway, on to today’s book, which is “Mademoiselle de Scuderi” by E.T.A. Hoffmann, translated by Andrew Brown for my Alma Classics 101 Pages edition; and Lizzy is also responsible for this as it was her review of the book which convinced me I should read it…
Hoffmann is, of course, famous for his fantasy and Gothic horror stories, often collected as “Tales of Hoffmann”; and “Scuderi..” was first published in 1819, becoming an instant success. It’s apparently still one of Hoffmann’s most highly regarded works and its not hard to see why. The story is set in Paris, during the reign of King Louis XIV, and the city is in the grip of a crimewave. A band of thieves appear to be attacking citizens and stealing their jewels, often resorting to murder to get hold of the booty. Alongside this, a series of poisonings has taken place, and the king has established a special court to investigate the crimes. Unfortunately, the man tasked with investigating has more zeal than sense, establishing a reign of terror and not really getting to the bottom of the things.
Enter Mademoiselle de Scudéri, an elderly poetess who is a favourite of the king and his mistress. One night, a frantic young man comes to her house and pleads to see her, but her maid keeps her from seeing the poetess. The young man escapes into the night, leaving a piece of jewellery behind him; and thus Mme de Scuderi is drawn into the plot which will turn out to be much more complex than you might initially think! The piece of jewellery turns out to has been made by the master craftsman Cardillac; but how has it got to the young man and the Mme de Scuderi? Who *is* the young man? Who is behind the crimes? And will Mme de Scuderi be able to ensure that justice is done?
Despite its short length, “Scuderi…” is packed with action, and has a wonderfully conjured historical setting! It’s been hailed as one of the earliest examples of a murder mystery, and it’s not hard to see why; there’s a lot of detecting and investigating done in the story, albeit not in the traditional Golden Age manner and within the societal structure of France of the time. But there’s also plenty of drama, romance, Gothic terror and also the fear of injustice. Certainly, the king’s investigators are thorough and brutal, and once they have a culprit they believe is guilty they’re immoveable. It takes all Mme de Scuderi’s talents to get to the truth of things and the denouement is perhaps unexpected but very satisfying.
As far as I’m aware, this is the first Hoffmann I’ve read and I really enjoyed it; brimming with drama and atmosphere, it was a wonderfully distracting little novella and evidence of Hoffmann’s skill as a storyteller. I also sensed undercurrents, as it’s possible to read into Hoffmann’s narratives criticism of a way of rule which depends so much on the whims of a monarch, as well as the moral of the investigator who is anything but willing to consider an alternative to his conclusions. The portrayal of the ‘criminal’, too, is fascinating, with quite a lot of psychological depth. All in all, this was a fascinating and thought-provoking read, and it’s definitely left me keen to read more of Hoffmann’s work!
I’m counting this read for two events in November – the aforementioned German Literature Month, and also Novellas in November, hosted by Cathy at 746Books and Bookish Beck! 😀
lizzysiddal
Nov 03, 2022 @ 07:21:30
I am such a bad influence. 😉 Glad you enjoyed it. That scene when the murderer emerges from behind the statue *** shivers ***
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 03, 2022 @ 10:29:24
LOL, yes you are, and this was great fun – and had plenty of shivery bits!! 🤣
MarinaSofia
Nov 03, 2022 @ 07:48:49
Ah, this brings back fond memories: we read it in class when I was about 10-11 (my classmates may have been a little older). Hoffmann is always good fun, and slightly sinister! Just the way I like it.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 03, 2022 @ 10:28:58
Absolutely! Very keen to read some more now!
Margot Kinberg
Nov 03, 2022 @ 10:58:22
I always like it when an author who usually writes other sorts of things tries a hand at something new. And a plot involving a mysterious stranger, jewels and fast action makes for a fun, enjoyable story, especially in novella form. I’m happy for you that you decided to read this.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 03, 2022 @ 11:24:24
It was great fun Margot – really enjoyed it! 😀
Roger
Nov 03, 2022 @ 11:04:19
Add the wonderful film The Tales of Hoffmann, based on Offenbach’s opera based on Hoffmann’s stories to your list of things to do/see.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 03, 2022 @ 11:24:08
Interestingly, Mr. K has been haunted by this film since his childhood!!
Vishy
Nov 03, 2022 @ 14:44:57
Wonderful review, Kaggsy! This looks like a gripping mystery! I’ve read only one book by Hoffman, The Sandman. Mlle. De Scuderi’s mystery looks very inviting. Will add it to my list. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 😊
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 03, 2022 @ 15:00:03
Thanks Vishy and you’re most welcome. This was a very enjoyable story – loved it!
Calmgrove
Nov 03, 2022 @ 15:27:03
I hadn’t heard of this before, and now that I have I wish I hadn’t heard of this – because it’s now on my radar!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 03, 2022 @ 15:42:21
LOL – always happy to be a bad influence, as you know… ;D
Liz Dexter
Nov 03, 2022 @ 19:07:47
Hooray, a double challenge book achieved!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 03, 2022 @ 19:14:32
Yes! Always so satisfying!!
literarygitane
Nov 03, 2022 @ 21:42:22
Great review! I must put it on my list. The only Hoffman I’ve read and read-read is “ The Nutcracker and the Mouse Prince”, one of my all time favorite children’s books. 😃
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 04, 2022 @ 09:40:38
Thank you! Hoffmann was obviously a really interesting author!
Helen
Nov 03, 2022 @ 22:04:32
I’ve just started to read The Life and Opinions of the Tomcat Murr for German Lit Month and am enjoying it so far. It’s my first Hoffmann but I’m sure I’ll be reading more and this one sounds very tempting too!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 04, 2022 @ 09:40:04
Oh, excellent – I’ll look forward to your thoughts on it! Such an interesting writer.
Julé Cunningham
Nov 04, 2022 @ 00:56:53
My knowledge of E.T.A. Hoffmann doesn’t extend much beyond the Nutcracker, but I can see his work would be interesting to explore. A lovely review of an intriguing story!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 04, 2022 @ 09:39:35
Me neither, frankly, so this was a fun one to explore – loved it!
WordsAndPeace
Nov 04, 2022 @ 01:06:36
Hmm Scudéri in German lit, who would have thought?
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 04, 2022 @ 09:39:16
LOL, he does paint a lovely picture of old Paris!
Cathy746books
Nov 04, 2022 @ 17:41:35
It’s great when a book fits multiple challenges! This one sounds great, hadn’t heard of it before.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 04, 2022 @ 19:51:56
It is, and I hadn’t heard of it either, until Lizzy reviewed it. Such fun!
It’s Novellas in November time – add your links here! #NovNov22
Nov 04, 2022 @ 17:55:04
JacquiWine
Nov 04, 2022 @ 18:42:19
Oh dear, this does sound very good indeed. I’m a sucker for this kind of mystery, especially where there are slightly sinister/gothic touches involved. My TBR needs to go on a strict diet right now, but I’ll definitely keep it in mind for the future. A great choice for German Lit Month, Karen – you always seem to find some interesting ‘hidden gems’!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 04, 2022 @ 19:51:23
It certainly is – very entertaining with lost of drama! I know what you mean about the TBR, though – I *am* trying to rein mine in a little. And Lizzy must take the credit for this – when I read her review I couldn’t resist the sound of this!
heavenali
Nov 05, 2022 @ 11:05:06
I had forgotten all about German lit month. This sounds like a really fun and slightly sinister story.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 05, 2022 @ 16:03:29
It was – very jumpy in places and most enjoyable. Enjoyed it a lot!
madamebibilophile
Nov 05, 2022 @ 16:30:59
I’ve not read Hoffman before but this does sound great fun, and a perfect autumn read too!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 05, 2022 @ 20:11:20
It was just right for autumn, and very entertaining too!!
Tony
Nov 06, 2022 @ 11:12:32
After reading your review, I realised I *have* read one of his before, but over a decade ago! This one sounds good, too 🙂
kaggsysbookishramblings
Nov 06, 2022 @ 11:58:59
It is – and I’m definitely now keen to read more! 😀
German Literature Month XII Author Index – Lizzy’s Literary Life (Volume 2)
Dec 29, 2022 @ 08:11:00