Status Updates From Irrungen, Wirrungen

At this point, you see the relationship between Lene and Botho as infinitely problematic. She is a lowly farm girl living a bucolic but bare existence while he lives a worldly life on the edge of the upper class. The lunch he has with his uncle sets up the conflict - he is betrothed to a wealthy woman in his extended family. She would solve his money issues and solidify his position while Lene offers him only love.

The English title of this German classic is On Tangled Paths". I am reading this novel because this author is clearly a gap in my education.