Scan barcode
cambrand's review against another edition
3.0
Slightly interesting discourse about aging, evaluating ones life, and deaf. The super creepy pedophilic obsession made me speed read this just to get to the obvious end of this man dying without elaborating much. Just eh
literary_hazelnut's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bluejay21's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I only read Death in Venice, and not any of the other stories, but I didn't like it all that much. It was well written and enjoyable to read, but I didn't like it. Simple as.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review
5.0
This review isn't going to make sense. I should just say that right now.
I have never read Mann before. Of course one keeps hearing about "Death in Venice" and then one feels guilty about not reading it and so on. Finally, in terms of this year's late resolution of doing something about my TBR pile and book buying addiction (though I didn't buy this. My friend put it on a pile of books he was giving away) and because of a buddy read (thanks Jeanette) I read it.
It is poetry, really truly. You just want Mann (who the Nazis hated) to keep writing and writing because it is wonderful.
Many of the stories in this book deal with loss, but they are not sad. There seems to be something hopeful in the tone, something human and humane about that hope. Even in 'The Blood of the Walsings" which has a wonderfully sharp and witty ending, one that any well read reader will know.
While the title story might be the most famous and the most rich in terms of symbolism and metaphor, I enjoyed "Tonio Kroger", "Disorder and Early Sorrow" and "A Man and His Dog" the best. In many ways, "Tonio" is very much like the work of Karen Blixen (DinV reminded me of Updike's short story "Bluebeard in Ireland" for some reason"). "A Man and his Dog" is a heartfelt story about a man and his dog that any dog lover will love (and no, the dog does not die). "Disorder and Early Sorrow" was the most beautiful story in the collection to me. All the stories are about the human condition and human loss and hope. Absolutely stunning.
I have never read Mann before. Of course one keeps hearing about "Death in Venice" and then one feels guilty about not reading it and so on. Finally, in terms of this year's late resolution of doing something about my TBR pile and book buying addiction (though I didn't buy this. My friend put it on a pile of books he was giving away) and because of a buddy read (thanks Jeanette) I read it.
It is poetry, really truly. You just want Mann (who the Nazis hated) to keep writing and writing because it is wonderful.
Many of the stories in this book deal with loss, but they are not sad. There seems to be something hopeful in the tone, something human and humane about that hope. Even in 'The Blood of the Walsings" which has a wonderfully sharp and witty ending, one that any well read reader will know.
While the title story might be the most famous and the most rich in terms of symbolism and metaphor, I enjoyed "Tonio Kroger", "Disorder and Early Sorrow" and "A Man and His Dog" the best. In many ways, "Tonio" is very much like the work of Karen Blixen (DinV reminded me of Updike's short story "Bluebeard in Ireland" for some reason"). "A Man and his Dog" is a heartfelt story about a man and his dog that any dog lover will love (and no, the dog does not die). "Disorder and Early Sorrow" was the most beautiful story in the collection to me. All the stories are about the human condition and human loss and hope. Absolutely stunning.
elisabethmartin's review against another edition
3.0
Tonio Kroger: 3.5 stars
Mario and the Magician: 3 stars
Mario and the Magician: 3 stars
arrioche's review against another edition
1.0
This man was either an incredible prat or decided to write exclusively from the viewpoint of incredible prats, and frankly I do not care which.
behindthecritic's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to love this more as Venice is a special place to me.
Thomas Mann is a brilliant writer and his words are stunning. The way he discusses art and literature is poetic but the title story was the only strong story.
If I read this when I was 15-17, I think I would've rated it higher.
Thomas Mann is a brilliant writer and his words are stunning. The way he discusses art and literature is poetic but the title story was the only strong story.
If I read this when I was 15-17, I think I would've rated it higher.
apolasky's review against another edition
3.0
This is a nice collection with several interesting recurring themes and literary resources throughout the stories. One of the main themes in Mann's work is that art corrupts the self and poses a threat against morality.
Personally, I enjoyed much more the stories told in first person because I found them much more fluid and their characters more relatable.
The resource I enjoyed the most was the use of characters in Wagner's work and from greek mythology as reference or inspiration. E.g.: Reason (Apollonius) vs passion (Dionysius).
If you are looking for a source of quotes that act as food for thought, this work by Thomas Mann is a great place to start.
If you are interested in descriptions of each story, keep scrolling down.
Death in Venice (3,5 stars)
This story focuses on the artist and the nature of art, mind vs heart and repressed passion that, in turn, evolves into obsession.
Here, Mann also criticizes modern life and bourgeoisie.
It is an interesting take on platonic love and its consequences but, unfortunately, it was considerably repetitive and lacking of character development.
Tonio Kröger (3 stars)
A main point in this work is the separation of the artistic world and everyday life, and the struggles of an artist trapped between both. This is related to his indecision and confusion in his love life.
The ending seemed unfinished and it didn't give closure to the story.
Mario and the magician (2 stars)
This one was simply boring. I struggled the most to finish it.
It portrays Italian fascism: controlling people's wills and freedom.
Criticism of artists.
Disorder and early sorrow (2,5 stars)
Loss of respect for the older members of a family.
Criticism of artists and disapproval within some levels of society.
A man and his dog (4,5 stars)
I loved the affectionate and heartfelt description of the dog. I found it interesting for the dog to be ´special´, and not just another pure breed specimen.
I think that it was unnecessary to dedicate a full and lengthy section to the description of the river zone.
On the other hand, the parts where he focused on describing the dog and its relationship with the family were far more enjoyable. Mann wrote a marvellous characterization of a dog, particularly its personality and conduct. I couldn't help to think of my own dogs while reading certain passages. It has now become one of my favorite stories about the relationship of man and his 'best friend'. It is, by far, my favorite of the 8 stories within the collection.
The blood of the Walsungs (2,5 stars)
Aestheticism, social status and superiority of classes.
Fiction turning into reality -within the story; 'art imitates art'.
Tristan (3,5 stars)
Escaping from reality through art, by modifying the facts that contain flaws the main character can't accept or cope with because it isn't up to his expectations.
It deals with suffering as an inner process that shapes our lives. Mann provides a brilliant portrayal of an artist suffering from his own self torturing.
Being inspired in Wagner's Tristan and Isolde, it serves as a literary portrayal of 'Life imitating art'.
Felix Krull (4 stars)
This work reflects the artistry in being a scammer. It is the perfect comedic depiction of the term 'con artist.'
Personally, I enjoyed much more the stories told in first person because I found them much more fluid and their characters more relatable.
The resource I enjoyed the most was the use of characters in Wagner's work and from greek mythology as reference or inspiration. E.g.: Reason (Apollonius) vs passion (Dionysius).
If you are looking for a source of quotes that act as food for thought, this work by Thomas Mann is a great place to start.
If you are interested in descriptions of each story, keep scrolling down.
Death in Venice (3,5 stars)
This story focuses on the artist and the nature of art, mind vs heart and repressed passion that, in turn, evolves into obsession.
Here, Mann also criticizes modern life and bourgeoisie.
It is an interesting take on platonic love and its consequences but, unfortunately, it was considerably repetitive and lacking of character development.
Tonio Kröger (3 stars)
A main point in this work is the separation of the artistic world and everyday life, and the struggles of an artist trapped between both. This is related to his indecision and confusion in his love life.
The ending seemed unfinished and it didn't give closure to the story.
Mario and the magician (2 stars)
This one was simply boring. I struggled the most to finish it.
It portrays Italian fascism: controlling people's wills and freedom.
Criticism of artists.
Disorder and early sorrow (2,5 stars)
Loss of respect for the older members of a family.
Criticism of artists and disapproval within some levels of society.
A man and his dog (4,5 stars)
I loved the affectionate and heartfelt description of the dog. I found it interesting for the dog to be ´special´, and not just another pure breed specimen.
I think that it was unnecessary to dedicate a full and lengthy section to the description of the river zone.
On the other hand, the parts where he focused on describing the dog and its relationship with the family were far more enjoyable. Mann wrote a marvellous characterization of a dog, particularly its personality and conduct. I couldn't help to think of my own dogs while reading certain passages. It has now become one of my favorite stories about the relationship of man and his 'best friend'. It is, by far, my favorite of the 8 stories within the collection.
The blood of the Walsungs (2,5 stars)
Aestheticism, social status and superiority of classes.
Fiction turning into reality -within the story; 'art imitates art'.
Tristan (3,5 stars)
Escaping from reality through art, by modifying the facts that contain flaws the main character can't accept or cope with because it isn't up to his expectations.
It deals with suffering as an inner process that shapes our lives. Mann provides a brilliant portrayal of an artist suffering from his own self torturing.
Being inspired in Wagner's Tristan and Isolde, it serves as a literary portrayal of 'Life imitating art'.
Felix Krull (4 stars)
This work reflects the artistry in being a scammer. It is the perfect comedic depiction of the term 'con artist.'