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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
Plot wise it’s deceptively simple: A man goes to a tuberculosis sanatorium to visit his cousin and ends up being afflicted himself. Confined to a microcosm in a microworld, he becomes enmeshed in a philosophical, spiritual, ideological struggle as he negotiates the alternate way of life.
From alternate social currency and decorum, to the wildly different socialization and substance to the conversation in the place, it becomes clear both that this book—like all incredible works, I think—is about, essentially everything. Sometimes literally. Chapters abstract thoughts and feelings with digressions into scientific knowledge or stories within stories, constructing a mythology that taps into romanticism. Symbols and occultism and permeate the book as Hans struggles and basically goes through a second wind coming-of-age that manages to parallel the larger struggle Europe is having to reckon with as war approaches.
I am 100% certain I did not understand everything this book was doing. Probably, I’ve only picked up on a few of the themes and don’t know enough about romanticism as it relates to Germany at that time period to really have even tapped into that one vein adequately. Multiple allegories for good and evil, life and death, corruption and innocence converge with the romantic themes and spiritual journey, endeavour. It’s a work I had to just let wash over me rather than analyze, otherwise I think it might have been overwhelming trying to understand everything.
Needless to say: it lives up to its repetition, for me.
From alternate social currency and decorum, to the wildly different socialization and substance to the conversation in the place, it becomes clear both that this book—like all incredible works, I think—is about, essentially everything. Sometimes literally. Chapters abstract thoughts and feelings with digressions into scientific knowledge or stories within stories, constructing a mythology that taps into romanticism. Symbols and occultism and permeate the book as Hans struggles and basically goes through a second wind coming-of-age that manages to parallel the larger struggle Europe is having to reckon with as war approaches.
I am 100% certain I did not understand everything this book was doing. Probably, I’ve only picked up on a few of the themes and don’t know enough about romanticism as it relates to Germany at that time period to really have even tapped into that one vein adequately. Multiple allegories for good and evil, life and death, corruption and innocence converge with the romantic themes and spiritual journey, endeavour. It’s a work I had to just let wash over me rather than analyze, otherwise I think it might have been overwhelming trying to understand everything.
Needless to say: it lives up to its repetition, for me.
My first time reading the Woods translation. I had only read Lowe-Porter before this, and Woods is clearly the better translator here.
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Nyt on sekin klassikko koluttu ja kyllä tässä hetki menikin! Ihmiskuva on – tietty – giving 1924, mut tää on hidas ja hieno. Mun lempikohta oli loppupuolella kun ne rupes pelaamaan spiritismiä.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An incredible journey but not without its obstacles. I will definitely go back to certain chapters over and over again while also never thinking of looking at others, but overall I had a pleasant experience and enjoyed the writing and atmosphere most of all, it made the difficult parts possible to get through and the rest a magical and fun journey to accompany.
It is absolutely a book of its time and place, so that is something I would say any reader interested should also take into account when picking it up, it makes all the difference.
It is absolutely a book of its time and place, so that is something I would say any reader interested should also take into account when picking it up, it makes all the difference.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Sexism, Suicide, Terminal illness, Antisemitism, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Useless read. Never finished. Waste of time. მიჩივლეთ სადაც გინდათ.