Die Amazone by Kasimir Edschmid
Read "Die Amazone by Kasimir Edschmid" Online
This book is available in the public domain. Start reading the digital edition below.
START READING FULL BOOKBook Preview
A short preview of the book’s content is shown below to give you an idea of its style and themes.
Kasimir Edschmid's Die Amazone (The Amazon) is a lightning bolt of a novel. Published in 1931, it captures the shattered psyche of a generation through one man's turbulent journey.
The Story
The story follows Karl, a German doctor, in the waning, chaotic days of World War I. Exhausted and disillusioned, he's caught in the retreat of his army. His world is one of mud, noise, and broken men. Then, he encounters Her. She's only ever called 'the Amazon'—a fierce, captivating woman who seems to operate by her own rules in the midst of the chaos. She pulls Karl into a whirlwind relationship that's as much about obsession as it is about escape.
Their story isn't a sweet romance. It's a series of intense, sometimes violent encounters that blur the line between reality and hallucination. As Karl follows her, the orderly world of a doctor completely falls apart. The narrative itself starts to fracture, mirroring his mental state. You're never quite sure what is really happening on the battlefield and what is playing out in the theatre of his crumbling mind.
Why You Should Read It
I picked this up on a whim, and I'm so glad I did. Forget dry history; this book makes you feel the insanity of that historical moment. Edschmid doesn't just describe the war; he uses this explosive, image-heavy prose (that's the Expressionist style) to make you experience the dizziness, the fear, and the surreal disconnect.
The Amazon herself is fascinating. She's not a love interest to be understood, but a force of nature. She represents everything the crumbling old world is not: wild, untamed, and brutally alive. Karl's obsession with her is the hook that drags you through this psychological landscape. You read to see if he'll find clarity or completely lose himself.
Final Verdict
This book is a hidden gem, but it's not for everyone. It's perfect for readers who love psychological deep-dives, fans of early 20th-century modernism, or anyone who enjoyed the visceral feel of something like All Quiet on the Western Front but wants the focus to be on the mind, not the trench. If you like neat plots and clear answers, you might find it frustrating. But if you're willing to get a little lost in a stunning, chaotic, and profoundly human portrait of a breaking point, Die Amazone is an unforgettable trip.
There are no legal restrictions on this material. Preserving history for future generations.
Sarah Lopez
1 month agoTo be perfectly clear, the emotional weight of the story is balanced perfectly. I couldn't put it down.
Melissa Thompson
7 months agoSurprisingly enough, the emotional weight of the story is balanced perfectly. A valuable addition to my collection.
Anthony Martin
1 year agoGreat digital experience compared to other versions.
Thomas Hernandez
8 months agoI stumbled upon this title and the clarity of the writing makes this accessible. One of the best books I've read this year.
Patricia Williams
4 months agoVery helpful, thanks.