Bernhard Kellermann's 1925 novel, Die Brüder Schellenberg (The Schellenberg Brothers), is a story that feels like it could be ripped from today's headlines, despite its age. It's a gripping tale about legacy, ambition, and the price of progress.

The Story

The book centers on Ulrich and Eberhard Schellenberg, two brothers who inherit their father's vast engineering and manufacturing empire. They couldn't be more different. Ulrich is the visionary, a brilliant engineer obsessed with building a new, perfect city—a utopia of steel, glass, and modern design. He sees technology as the key to a better human future. Eberhard, on the other hand, is the conservative steward. He believes in the solid, traditional values of their father's business and is deeply suspicious of his brother's radical, expensive dreams. The novel follows their intense struggle for control of the company and its soul. It's a battle that pits innovation against tradition, reckless ambition against cautious responsibility, and ultimately asks what we're willing to sacrifice in the name of 'the future.'

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how current it all feels. Kellermann wasn't just writing a family saga; he was capturing the nervous, excited spirit of the Weimar Republic in Germany, a time of wild technological and social change. Reading about Ulrich's grand plans, you can't help but think of today's tech moguls and their promises to reinvent society. The brothers' arguments about whether progress is inherently good, or if it destroys something vital in its path, are conversations we're still having. Kellermann gives us characters who are deeply flawed but completely understandable. You might find yourself siding with one brother, then the other, as the costs of their choices become clear.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves a smart, character-driven drama with big ideas. If you enjoy stories about family conflict, the ethics of technology, or historical fiction that sheds light on our own times, you'll find a lot to love here. It's not a light beach read—it makes you think—but it's written with a propulsive energy that keeps the pages turning. A truly overlooked classic that deserves a fresh look.