question about book number 1

[Gast]

my question is - because it is German forum for English language learners - which of German
greatest books would you recommend to read for foreigners to make him/her interested in and probably helping him to understand German culture/historical social structures.
To make a long story short - to know something more about your country/people in the end.
Thanks for suggestions - if any:)

[Maleah]

What kind of book? Fiction or nonfiction?

[Gast]

hmmm... I am looking for a family saga or kind of psychological book with fancied (though quite probably) history inside.
I am looking for "The Magic Mountain" in English. for example. or something like - some love story and "big" history... but any poetry, please. is it possible to find it somehwere on-line?
Thanks for you answers if any:)
b.h.