Rosshalde

Rosshalde by Hermann Hesse was first published in 1914.
The first few paragraphs lay out the theme of the book. Rosshalde was a sprawling and abandoned manor, bought by the artist Johann Veraguth ten years before the story begins. He renovated the place, and built a studio for himself a little away from the manor house. Gradually, he and his wife became estranged, and their two sons suffered. Johann added rooms to his studio, and began to live there. The elder boy, Albert, was sent to boarding school. The younger one, seven-year-old Pierre, lived in the manor house with his mother. Pierre was the bridge between the couple, adored by both, and moving with ease between the two different houses and terrains.
Johann spent most of his time painting, totally absorbed in his work. Yet his love for Pierre was as important, he was determined not to lose the affection of this child, as had happened with his elder son.
One day, and old friend of Johann’s, Otto, comes on a visit. Otto's visit gradually brings about changes in the family. He persuades Johann to leave his unhappy family situation and join him abroad. But before his departure tragedy strikes the family, and the one they love the most, Pierre.
Here Hesse looks at the intricacies of family relationships, and explores the mind of an artist. True to life, there are no happy endings; each person has to find their own answers and their reasons for living.