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In a German Pension

by Katherine Mansfield (1888–1923)

  • Free to read
  • 2 hours to read
  • 12 chapters
  • Reading level: 6th grade

"In a German Pension" by Katherine Mansfield is a collection of short stories written during the early 20th century. The book presents a series of vignettes that explore the lives, conversations, and interactions of a diverse group of guests at a German pension, often delving into themes of culture, societal norms, and the complexities of human relationships. The opening of the book introduces the reader to a lively dining scene in a pension, where the main character engages with various individuals at their mealtime. Through witty dialogue, readers get glimpses of characters like Herr Rat, who boasts about his cooking skills and breakfast habits, and the curious Widow, who questions the protagonist about her marriage and dietary choices. Amidst discussions of food, health, and personal experiences, the protagonist grapples with her identity and the cultural differences that set her apart from her German companions. This initial chapter sets the tone for the collection, hinting at the mix of humor and introspection that characterizes Mansfield's exploration of shared lives within the confines of the pension.

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  • Germany · Social life and customs

Read the opening

Germans at Meat

Bread soup was placed upon the table.

“Ah,” said the Herr Rat, leaning upon the table as he peered into the tureen, “that is what I need. My ‘magen’ has not been in order for several days. Bread soup, and just the right consistency. I am a good cook myself”—he turned to me.

“How interesting,” I said, attempting to infuse just the right amount of enthusiasm into my voice.

“Oh yes—when one is not married it is necessary. As for me, I have had all I wanted from women without marriage.” He tucked his napkin into his collar and blew upon his soup as he spoke. “Now at nine o’clock I make myself an English breakfast, but not much. Four slices of bread, two eggs, two slices of cold ham, one plate of soup, two cups of tea—that is nothing to you.”

He asserted the fact so vehemently that I had not the courage to refute it.

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Contents

  1. Germans at Meat
  2. The Baron
  3. The Sister of the Baroness
  4. Frau Fischer
  5. Frau Brechenmacher Attends a Wedding
  6. The Modern Soul
  7. The Luft Bad
  8. A Birthday
  9. The Child-Who-Was-Tired
  10. The Advanced Lady
  11. The Swing of the Pendulum
  12. A Blaze

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About this edition

This free edition of In a German Pension by Katherine Mansfield comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #1472, released 1998-09-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Short Stories, British Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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