Release date is 2026-02-21

The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net

"Der Dechant von Gottesbüren" by Jakob Schaffner is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in a Hessian cathedral town, it follows Dechant Klemenz Ekkard whose zeal for restoring the Dom drifts into antiquarian obsession, stirring tensions at home and in the parish. Around him orbit his pious, perceptive niece Linde, a bluntly loyal housekeeper, and a decorated young nephew whose return from the front brings war’s hard ethos into a devout household; the impending visit of the austere Aunt Klinger sharpens the domestic and moral conflicts. At heart, the story explores faith versus aesthetic fervor, the shock of modern war, and a young woman’s first, searching experience of love.

The opening of the novel establishes the setting and household: Dechant Klemenz directs a disruptive cathedral renovation, drawing gentle rebukes from his housekeeper Brigitt and quiet loyalty from his niece Linde, while the family’s boxer Bob patrols the scene. A sudden visit from nephew Heinz, a confident, decorated officer, sparks lively talk of war and values, and reveals Linde’s maturity and compassion as their old camaraderie kindles into a delicate attraction. A half-buried childhood secret (a missing illustrated Hohelied) resurfaces in teasing exchanges, testing Linde’s conscience and Heinz’s worldly pragmatism; walks through town, the dusty Dom, and out to an old watchtower deepen their bond, set against his unsentimental battlefield outlook and her mingled pity and desire. Just as Linde insists on making amends by inviting the estranged Aunt Klinger, the aunt arrives early—cool, cultured, and exacting—immediately critiquing the Dechant’s beloved antiques and signaling a new, unsettling order in the house. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: Berlin: Deutsche Buch-Gemeinschaft G. m. b. H., 1917