The Little Barefoot is a classic German novella written by Berthold Auerbach. The story follows the life of a young girl named Nanni, who lives in a small village in the Black Forest in the early 19th century. Nanni is an orphan who has been taken in by a poor farmer and his family. She is known in the village as "the little barefoot" because she has no shoes and must walk barefoot through the snow and mud. Despite her difficult circumstances, Nanni is a happy and kind-hearted girl who loves to sing and play with the other children in the village. She dreams of one day owning a pair of shoes but knows that this is unlikely given her family's poverty. One day, a wealthy stranger comes to the village and offers to take Nanni away with him to work as a servant in his mansion. Nanni's adoptive family reluctantly agrees to let her go, hoping that she will have a better life with the wealthy man. However, Nanni soon discovers that life in the mansion is not what she expected. The wealthy man and his wife are cruel and abusive, and Nanni is forced to work long hours without rest. She is also forbidden from singing, which is one of her greatest joys. Despite the hardships, Nanni remains strong and determined. She forms a friendship with the gardener's son, who helps her to escape from the mansion and return to her village. "The Little Barefoot" is a touching and timeless story about the power of resilience and kindness in the face of adversity. Auerbach's writing is rich and vivid, bringing to life the beauty of the Black Forest and the struggles of its people. The novella has been beloved by generations of readers for its inspiring message and unforgettable characters.
Berthold Auerbach (1812-1882) was a German-Jewish author and poet best known for his novels and short stories, which often focused on the lives of rural and working-class people. Auerbach was born in the Black Forest region of Germany and grew up in a poor family. Despite his lack of formal education, he developed a love of literature and began writing poetry and prose in his early 20s. Auerbach's breakthrough came with the publication of his novel "Spinoza" in 1837, which won him widespread acclaim and established him as a major literary figure in Germany. He went on to write numerous other works, including the novel "Barfüßele" and the short story collection "Schwarzwälder Dorfgeschichten" (Black Forest Village Stories), which is considered one of his most important works.Auerbach's writing was known for its realism and its sympathetic portrayal of ordinary people, especially those from rural and working-class backgrounds. He often drew on his own experiences growing up in the Black Forest and his observations of the struggles and joys of everyday life. His works were widely read and translated into many languages, and he was highly regarded by his contemporaries, including other prominent German writers such as Goethe and Heine. In addition to his literary career, Auerbach was also involved in political and social activism. He was an advocate for Jewish rights and worked to promote education and literacy among the lower classes. He was also involved in the 1848 revolutions in Germany, although his political views moderated in later years. Auerbach passed away in 1882 at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important writers of 19th-century Germany. His works continue to be read and studied today, both for their literary merit and for their insights into the social and cultural issues of his time.