Eva, Feuermann’s Wife: Their Relationship and Marriage

Marika Hughes reflects on what she was told by her grandmother Eva about her marriage to Emanuel Feuermann. Marika describes Eva as a woman who struggled with insecurity in both her personal and professional life. Despite this, Emanuel encouraged her to assert her identity beyond being just his wife, which Marika believes may inadvertently have created tension in their marriage.

Marika highlights the class differences between her grandparents, noting that while Emanuel came from a working-class background, Eva’s upbringing was aristocratic, leading to a different set of expectations and lifestyles. She suggests that their marriage was influenced by familial and societal pressures, particularly from Eva’s controlling mother. Marika admires her grandmother’s strength and kindness, acknowledging that she was a remarkable woman despite her challenges. She hints at the possibility that Eva’s mother may have manipulated the marriage, perhaps motivated by a desire to keep Emanuel in the family. The conversation touches on Emanuel’s charismatic personality and adventurous spirit, which contributed addditional stress in their marriage. Marika expresses respect for both of her grandparents while acknowledging the difficulties they faced as a couple.