Joseph Roth’s novel, The Radetzky March, has been hailed by Michael Ondaatje as ‘one of the 20th century’s great historical novels.’ It was first published in German in 1932 and only made available to English-speaking readers in 2002 in a translation by Michael Hoffmann.
The story unfolds at a leisurely pace. Each scene is replete with sensory detail and often includes ironic commentary from the author. The novel follows the personal and military lives of three generations of men in the Trotta family. It begins with Joseph, a man of peasant background and middling military rank. Almost inadvertently, he saves the life of Emperor Franz Joseph on the battlefield. As a result, he achieves unwanted fame, promotion and a title. His son and grandson revere Joseph’s legacy but find themselves unable to rise to similar heights.
All three Trotta men are endearingly human in their feelings of unworthiness and in their adherence to the heel-clicking military manners and customs of the dying Austro-Hungarian Empire. While women attract only incidental mention in the novel, the lives of the Trottas’ soldier companions receive full attention. Roth’s warm portrayal of their characteristics and differences contain perceptive insights into human nature.
The Radetzky March of the title makes regular appearances in the novel. A rousing march composed by Johann Strauss in 1848 in honour of a triumphant leader of the Austrian forces, the music accompanies military manoeuvres in the novel as well the soldiers’ visit to a village brothel where they hear the march from the inn next door.
My Google search led to a stirring orchestral rendition which matches the mood of this book. It gives a sense of the energy and colour of a military way of life which is coming to an end as World War One looms.
I suggest listening to the Radetzky March several times before reading this novel. It is traditional to clap along to the music of The Radetzky March and I feel a similar urge to applaud this brilliant piece of historical writing.
