Brigadier Frederick and The Dean's Watch

Name: Brigadier Frederick and The Dean's Watch
Author: Erckmann-Chatrian

The novel revolves around the story of a mysterious watch that has been passed down through generations and is said to bring good fortune to its owner. The plot thickens when the watch is stolen, leading to a series of events that exposes dark secrets and hidden relationships within a small French town. Through the characters' struggles and conflicts, the novel explores themes of morality, social class, and the consequences of one's actions.

By Erckmann-Chatrian · First published 1869 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Family Saga · 42 chapters · 65,909 words

First lines

When I was brigadier forester at Steinbach, said Father Frederick to me, and when I was the inspector of the most beautiful forest district in all the department of Saverne, I had a pretty cottage, shaded by trees, the garden and orchard behind filled with apple trees, plum trees, and pear trees, covered with fruit in the autumn; with that four acres of meadow land along the bank of the river; when the grandmother, Anne, in spite of her eighty years, still spun behind the stove, and was able to help about the house; when my wife and daughter kept house and superintended the stables and the cultivation of our land, and when weeks, months, and years passed in their tranquility like a single day.

What this Textopian page supports

Brigadier Frederick and The Dean's Watch is listed on Textopian as a novel by Erckmann-Chatrian, dated 1869 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Erckmann-Chatrian
Date: 1869 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Family Saga, Drama, Nature Writing
Length: 65,909 words
Structure: 42 chapters, 1,281 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for Brigadier Frederick and The Dean's Watch by Erckmann-Chatrian
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores deep emotional themes, character development, and the human condition, typical of literary fiction.
Historical Fiction — Set against the backdrop of historical events in Alsace, the narrative reflects the socio-political changes of the time.
Family Saga — The story focuses on familial relationships, generational dynamics, and the impact of loss on a family.
Drama — The narrative contains intense emotional conflicts and personal struggles, characteristic of dramatic literature.