The Bachelors by Adalbert Stifter

I just finished off this short, 160 page novella, a 19th century book that takes place in the mountains of Austria.

It tells the story of a young man who visits his uncle in a remote home, on an island in the middle of a lake.  The boy has never met his uncle, who has asked to meet him as the boy leaves home to start his first job.  After weeks spent with this troubled, hermit of an uncle he reveals his one wish for the nephew: To avoid his biggest mistake in life and to make sure to marry, avoiding his own rootless life as a bachelor.  The story is dark, melancholic, human and charming.

I noted the similarities (or influence?) of several other 19th century novelists who I've enjoyed, all British.  The rustic charm of domestic life in a modest, loving home (Dickens).  The gothic horror of being held prisoner in a fortress-like estate (Radcliffe).  The epic thrill of gorgeous, untouched, mountainous wilds (Scott).  And the comedic ending, complete with surprise marriage of the hero to his heroine (Austen).

This lovely exploration of life in Austria struck universal themes that could have taken place most anywhere.  People, it seems, really are the same everywhere.