Hermann Sudermann's El deseo (published in English as The Wish) is a novel that feels surprisingly modern for its time. It doesn't rely on grand adventures or shocking twists. Instead, it finds its power in the quiet desperation of a life lived by someone else's rules.

The Story

We meet Leonore, a woman trapped in a passionless marriage to a much older, well-meaning but dull man. Her days are a cycle of polite society events and domestic boredom. This all changes when Robert, a passionate artist from her youth, re-enters her life. He represents the freedom, art, and emotional intensity she secretly craves. The book follows Leonore's internal struggle as she's torn between her safe, dutiful existence and the intoxicating possibility of a life filled with desire and authentic feeling. It's a slow, psychological burn, watching her weigh the cost of her happiness against the ruin it would bring to the stable world she's built.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this book because it's so honest about a feeling we don't always talk about: the regret of the road not taken. Sudermann doesn't paint Leonore as simply a victim or a hero. She's complicated. Her husband isn't a villain, which makes her dilemma even more real and heartbreaking. The writing is sharp and observant, picking apart the tiny moments of resentment and longing that build up over years. It made me think about my own compromises and the small ways we sometimes settle for less than we want. It's a story about the human spirit chafing against the cage of expectation, and that's a theme that never gets old.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for readers who love character-driven stories that focus on internal conflict over external action. If you enjoyed novels like Madame Bovary or The Age of Innocence, you'll find a kindred spirit here. It's also great for anyone interested in late 19th-century literature that moves beyond pure romance into deeper psychological territory. Fair warning: it's not a light, happy read. But if you're in the mood for something thoughtful, poignant, and beautifully sad, El deseo is a hidden gem that deserves more attention.