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Buddenbrooks, Mann 33%

Tough opening chapter, but since then it's been wonderful.  Buddenbrooks, old family, in a slow decline.  Father holds to old, honorable business standards and is out-maneuvered.  Example, he agrees to the wedding of his daughter Tony after he checks on the prospects of his son-in-law.  Glowing recommendations--but they are based on the desire of creditors to get Buddenbrooks family money behind the debts of future son-in-law.

Next generation:  Tony is spoiled, now divorced, mother of little girl, living with family again and looking forward to another marriage.

Tom falls in love with shop girl but knows better than to propose marriage.  Sickly but sensible.

Christian headed to South America to make his fortune.  As younger son he has no great role to play in the company. He's also a bit of a flake.

Tony, after falling for Morton a doctor-in-training but lower class, marries unhappily. Her no-good husband goes bankrupt.  Buddenbrooks will not bail him out. Instead she moves back home.

Lots of similarities to the best of Trollope. Money and family

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