Seedtime

IN THIS novel by an Austrian we have a microcosm of the conditions in dissident Central Europe which precipitated World War I Those conditions are continuing and their ultimate consequences it is difficult to foresee. Most of the action takes place in the small community of Sereth. the author’s native town, in Bukovina. in 1907, at the time an Austro-Hungarian outpost bordering on Rumania. Emperor Francis Joseph had just then issued a liberalizing edict which granted universal suffrage. It was coincident with peasant revolts in Rumania, and repercussions were feared in Austria, where the conservative elements tried to deflect the public mind from main issues by anti-Jewish pogroms and the like. The novel teems with characters — Jews and Christians, politicians and farmers, soldiers and agents provocateurs.

Vasili, a young corporal, led the peasant revolt. Me thodical, in the way of the new school of rebels, he worked with other peasants secretly, collecting guns and ammunition. He was in love with Anna, who wholeheartedly coöperated in the conspiracy. On the other side, Franz Beil, mayor of Sereth, plotted with the exploiters to frustrate the revolt and to minimize the effect of the Emperor’s reforms. The little revolution proved abortive, as were all such attempts in those days before the workers were organized. When, at the end, Vasili is exiled, he utters the prophecy that “the day will come” when the planted seed will bring forth the harvest.

This story is written in terms of events rather than of character. Translated from the German, the writing is strong, if sometimes a bit ragged; it is satirical and dramatic, and rich with portent. It helps one to understand Central Europe and its troubles.

JOHN COURNOS