Irma von Troll-Borostyáni was an Austrian writer and feminist activist, and you can feel that fire in her work. 'Was ich geschaut' is a collection of short stories, or novellas, that shine a light on the lives of women in the 19th century.

The Story

Don't expect huge adventures or dramatic murders. The drama here is internal and domestic. We meet different women—a young bride realizing her marriage is a cage, a daughter crushed by family duty, a woman whose intellectual spark is being smothered. The plot in each story is about their quiet realization. It's the moment they look around their comfortable parlors and see the bars on the windows. The tension builds from their growing awareness and the small, often heartbreaking, choices they make (or can't make) in response.

Why You Should Read It

What struck me was how current these stories feel. While the corsets and carriages are gone, the struggle to balance societal expectations with personal desire is timeless. Troll-Borostyáni writes her characters with such clear-eyed honesty. You don't just pity them; you understand their frustration, their moments of weakness, and their flashes of quiet rebellion. It's a powerful look into a world where a woman's biggest battle was often fought in her own drawing room.

Final Verdict

This is a book for the thoughtful reader. It's perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction that focuses on character over plot, or for readers interested in early feminist literature. If you enjoyed the social insights of Jane Austen but wished they tackled the darker, more restrictive side of that world head-on, you'll find a kindred spirit in Irma von Troll-Borostyáni. It's a slow, character-driven burn that leaves a lasting impression.