The Buddenbrooks (novel by Thomas Mann)

*The Buddenbrooks* by Thomas Mann is a detailed family saga that traces the rise and decline of a wealthy German merchant family over several generations. It explores themes of prosperity, societal change, and personal identity, illustrating how economic success impacts family dynamics and individual aspirations. The novel depicts the struggles of maintaining tradition amid modernization and the inevitable passage of time, ultimately highlighting the transient nature of wealth and social status. Through rich character development and meticulous storytelling, Mann presents a nuanced portrait of a family confronting both internal conflicts and external societal shifts.