Published over a century ago in 1913, Bernhard Kellermann's Der Tunnel feels like it was written yesterday. It taps into that timeless human drive to conquer the impossible, and then asks what we're willing to sacrifice to get there.

The Story

The plot centers on Mac Allan, a brilliant and relentlessly determined American engineer. He has one goal: to construct a transatlantic tunnel connecting Europe and America. We follow him from the first spark of the idea, through the decades-long struggle to make it real. He has to convince a skeptical world, secure insane amounts of money, and solve engineering problems that seem straight out of science fiction. But the story isn't just about blueprints and bedrock. Kellermann shows us the human toll—the workers who die in horrific accidents, the financiers who lose everything, and the public that swings between worshipping Allan as a hero and blaming him for every disaster. The tunnel becomes a monster of its own, consuming lives and fortunes, and Allan's obsession starts to look less like genius and more like madness.

Why You Should Read It

What blew me away was how current this all feels. We're still obsessed with mega-projects, tech billionaires, and changing the world overnight. Reading about Mac Allan's tunnel is like reading a parable about Silicon Valley or space colonization. Kellermann wasn't just predicting future technology; he was nailing a very human pattern of hype, crash, and stubborn perseverance. Allan is a fascinating character—you admire his vision, but you also watch, heart in your throat, as his fixations blind him to the chaos he's creating. The book moves at a great pace, balancing technical detail with raw human drama. It makes you think: is the future we're building worth the price we pay today?

Final Verdict

This book is a hidden gem. It's perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction that speaks to the present, or stories about ambitious, flawed characters who change the world. If you enjoyed the corporate drama of The Founder or the visionary struggle in The Prestige, you'll find a similar energy here. It's also a great pick for readers curious about early 20th-century sci-fi and social commentary. Don't let the 1913 publication date fool you—Der Tunnel is a thrilling, thought-provoking ride that questions whether the brightest futures are built in the darkest places.