This is an interesting novel, based on the life of Emma Herwegh, a German woman who held court over a glittering literary salon and who was a prolific writer of letters, leaving much for modern day historians to pore over.

Emma scandalously married the revolutionary poet Georg Herwegh, much to the horror of her wealthy family, but it was a grand passion, one that was to change her life, and perhaps the history of Germany, forever. Having married Herwegh, she became committed to the socialist cause, and became the only woman to join the armed troops that worked to bring the revolution from France to Germany in 1848.

Emma is an interesting woman, one who did not bow to the ideals of her time and class, and who was determined to do what was important and right, with her beloved husband by her side.

Unfortunately for Emma Georg falls madly in love with Natalie, the wife of his close comrade, and all that Emma knows to be true and lasting is suddenly shattered, leaving her to reconsider her life, achievements and future.

I knew nothing of the German Revolution of 1848, where the working class sought radical improvements to their conditions, inspired by changes in France following their own revolution. It is told through the eyes of Emma, a cultured and intelligent woman, as she interacts with other important players of the time. I do wonder if it has been slightly lost in translation, but, having said that, I enjoyed The Freedom of Emma Herwegh, and learned something, which is always a fine thing. Very well done.

Reviewed by Lesley West

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dirk Kurbjuweit is a journalist at Der Spiegel and lives in Berlin. He has received numerous awards for his writing, including the Egon Erwin Kisch Prize for journalism, and is the author of ten critically acclaimed novels, many of which have been adapted for film, television, theatre and radio.