Irma von Troll-Borostyáni was an Austrian writer and a fierce advocate for women's rights in the late 1800s. Was ich geschaut (What I Saw) is a collection of her short fiction, and it reads like a series of quiet, powerful observations from the edges of a ballroom or the back of a shop. This isn't a single plot, but a gathering of lives.

The Story

Each novella follows a different woman navigating the strict rules of her world. We meet a young bride realizing her marriage is a business transaction, a servant girl witnessing hypocrisy in a wealthy household, and an artist struggling to be taken seriously. There are no epic battles here. The action is internal. The drama comes in a glance held too long, a secret overheard, or a choice made in silence. The title is the guiding principle: these are accounts of what these women witness—the injustices, the small cruelties, and the rare moments of kindness—that they are often powerless to change.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how current these stories feel. Troll-Borostyáni writes with a clear, sharp eye. She doesn't shout her arguments; she shows you a scene and lets you feel the tension. You get furious for her characters. You feel their loneliness and their quiet sparks of defiance. The writing is precise and often beautiful, but it never gets flowery. It’s the kind of book that makes you stop and think after each story. It’s a direct look into the heart of a time period, from a perspective we don't often get.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for readers who love character-driven historical fiction, like the works of Sarah Waters or Edith Wharton, but want to discover a unique voice from the era itself. It's for anyone interested in women's history, social change, or just really good, observant storytelling. It’s not a fast-paced adventure; it's a thoughtful, sometimes challenging, and deeply rewarding read. A true find for anyone who believes the most interesting stories are the ones history almost forgot.