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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
This is a mammoth book in many ways: of intent, scope and influence. As such, it's a tricky beast to judge on one reading. The author himself compared it to a symphonic work, and picking one's way through the rich layers of symbolism, characters and incidents is a huge task.
Simultaneously held up as both the classic example of the Bildungsroman, that is, a "novel of education" or "novel of formation", and as a sly parody of the form, Mann explores a variety of interactions with constant allusions to the irrational forces that operate within the human psyche. That is to say, this behemoth is not short of a subtext or two!
There's not a lot of point going into too much depth here, suffice to say that if you're a lover of the novel, at some point you really should visit this book. It both breaks most of the conventions of the genre and reforms them. At times it represents very hard going but go through and you'll find yourself rewarded. A marathon not a sprint, the denouement really is quite breathtaking.
Simultaneously held up as both the classic example of the Bildungsroman, that is, a "novel of education" or "novel of formation", and as a sly parody of the form, Mann explores a variety of interactions with constant allusions to the irrational forces that operate within the human psyche. That is to say, this behemoth is not short of a subtext or two!
There's not a lot of point going into too much depth here, suffice to say that if you're a lover of the novel, at some point you really should visit this book. It both breaks most of the conventions of the genre and reforms them. At times it represents very hard going but go through and you'll find yourself rewarded. A marathon not a sprint, the denouement really is quite breathtaking.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
On the whole this didn’t do it for me, though I did enjoy certain scenes/moments: Behrens’ painting; Naphta’s backstory; the séance… and the final three pages have a vitality to them that is totally blindsiding. I guess that is the point. But truly this was a struggle for me to get through. And I get it, form is content and all, but come on. Interested to see how or if this matures in my memory.
I seem to be in a space that only wants to read books that are fast-paced. So I didn't get far in this.
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
reflective
slow-paced
As a book, certainly a very good one, although as a Great Book I found it a bit middling. It has a certain uniqueness that is intriguing, a story that wavers and a temporality that wanes - and occasionally waxes - I guess it really is a _Magic Mountain_. Hans Castorp's journey to a sanatorium, to a lassitude and elongation of days, is at times all the things you need out of a book, deep and emotional and superficial and sad and light comedy and romantic and edifying or at least illustrative. Maybe it is that I took too much time reading it, but I think what it is missing is just not being life-changing, at least for me. Certainly, though, a very good book.
Time and illness—I have never read anyone articulate these things the way Mann does. There is something very subtle and yet very honest about his way. It’s hard to put into words; well, I am no writer. But this was wonderful.
My time with Hans Castorp was well spent, worth every second. I have developed a deep affection for him. I loved being in his head and in his company; his simplicity and humility were brought out well. The sanatorium is a very interesting setting for such profound thoughts, providing a perfect atmosphere.
I really, really loved the deliberate slow pace, symbolism, philosophical musings, and deep character development. Talk about challenging your mind and touching your soul—yeah, this book did that for me, in a very unhurried, serene manner. A very unique book as the blurb says, have never read anything like it.
This is an experience that I shall cherish, and I am definitely coming back to it.
“It is remarkable how a man cannot summarize his thoughts in even the most general sort of way without betraying himself completely, without putting his whole self into it, quite unawares, presenting as if in allegory the basic themes and problems of his life.”
“Isn't it grand, isn't it good, that language has only one word for everything we associate with love - from utter sanctity to the most fleshly lust? The result is perfect clarity in ambiguity, for love cannot be disembodied even in its most sanctified forms, nor is it without sanctity even at its most fleshly. Love is always simply itself, both as a subtle affirmation of life and as the highest passion; love is our sympathy with organic life.”
“Tolerance becomes a crime when applied to evil.”
My time with Hans Castorp was well spent, worth every second. I have developed a deep affection for him. I loved being in his head and in his company; his simplicity and humility were brought out well. The sanatorium is a very interesting setting for such profound thoughts, providing a perfect atmosphere.
I really, really loved the deliberate slow pace, symbolism, philosophical musings, and deep character development. Talk about challenging your mind and touching your soul—yeah, this book did that for me, in a very unhurried, serene manner. A very unique book as the blurb says, have never read anything like it.
This is an experience that I shall cherish, and I am definitely coming back to it.
“It is remarkable how a man cannot summarize his thoughts in even the most general sort of way without betraying himself completely, without putting his whole self into it, quite unawares, presenting as if in allegory the basic themes and problems of his life.”
“Isn't it grand, isn't it good, that language has only one word for everything we associate with love - from utter sanctity to the most fleshly lust? The result is perfect clarity in ambiguity, for love cannot be disembodied even in its most sanctified forms, nor is it without sanctity even at its most fleshly. Love is always simply itself, both as a subtle affirmation of life and as the highest passion; love is our sympathy with organic life.”
“Tolerance becomes a crime when applied to evil.”
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes