Nur ein Geiger

Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) not only wrote fairy tales but also a number of complex novels, most of which are autobiographically tinted. In "Only a Fiddler," published in 1837 as the author's third novel, Andersen tells the melancholic story of artistic failure: the talented violinist Christian squanders his life aimlessly, caught up in illusory daydreams. In contrast stands Naomi, his childhood love. The daughter of a wealthy family disregards all social conventions and rises to the top of society. In fact, both fail: the long-alienated Naomi due to her excesses and Christian himself due to his inability to act.