Considered Thomas Mann’s first great novel for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature in 1929. It traces the decline of a North German family which has been engaged in the export grain business for several generations. Like all families, this family has its share of fools, marriage missteps, successes, dreams, individual failures, good and bad luck. We follow one generation, the last of this family from the very summit of their success to their extinction. Are they bad or evil people? Do they lie or cheat in personal or business relationships? No, but none the less, they begin a descent which cannot be stopped and their line withers and stops in the most ordinary of ways.
Barry J. Klazura
With a Masters Degree in Guerrilla Warfare and Totalitarianism, Mr. Klazura was well prepped for a career in Sales and General Management, consulting on corporate startups and turnarounds as well as lecturing on history and politics. For the past twenty years he has focused on being a financial advisor and consulting.
