Summary:
"Die Schwestern: Drei Novellen" by Jakob Wassermann is a collection of three novellas written in the early 20th century. The first novella, "Donna Johanna von Castilien," follows the life of Infanta Johanna, a figure shrouded in tragedy and darkness from her birth amidst the execution of her mother's enemies, to her profound melancholy and complicated love story with Philip of Austria, which intertwines drama, magic, and the struggle against societal expectations. The opening of the first novella introduces Infanta Johanna, who is born under ominous circumstances and marked by an unsettling demeanor from childhood. Johanna’s affinity for solitude sets her apart, and her eventual marriage to Philip is fraught with tension, as she grapples with her emotional isolation and his fluctuating affection. As the story unfolds, her inner turmoil escalates, revealing both her deep love and the challenges posed by societal norms, leading to a dramatic exploration of sacrifice, desire, and the human condition. This rich tapestry of emotion and historical intrigue sets the tone for a captivating narrative that invites readers into a world of royal complexities and personal struggles. (This is an automatically generated summary.)