Reviews

Briefe an einen jungen Dichter by Rainer Maria Rilke, Rainer Maria Rilke

girlbossica's review against another edition

Go to review page

I don't know how to feel

itspozita's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.25

ed_moore's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional inspiring fast-paced

5.0

“Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses, only eating for the day when they will see us handsome and brave? Perhaps we’ve burn terrifying is deep down a helpless thing that needs our help” 

‘Letters to a Young Poet’ was so unbelievably cute. Franz Kappus wrote to Rilke asking about his poems, and Rilke takes him under his wing and begins by offering poetic advice which soon evolves to his wholesome advice on young love, fears and his perspective of the world. It was so impactful, so quotable, and honestly what I needed today. Words are so beautiful and can hold so much power, and Rilke really demonstrated that. I do wish Kappus’ letters were included rather than just Rilke’s replies to fully contextualise the dialogue between them, though I am sure they would feature in other editions and nonetheless Rilke’s words stood strong on their own and were beyond beautiful. Did sob, it was so cosy and wholesome yet powerful, and such a short and uplifting beautiful little book. 
 
With all devotion and sympathy, 
Rainer Maria Rilke 
 

annika_fabbi's review against another edition

Go to review page

slow-paced

5.0

mikathereviewer's review against another edition

Go to review page

reflective medium-paced

2.0

🇩🇪 German version
Scroll down for the English version 🇬🇧

Ich weiß nicht so genau was ich darüber denken soll. Nur 2 Sterne wollte ich es geben aber es ist eine Schande da es einige (wenige) Sachen gab die ich mochte. Aber die meisten Sachen liesen Rainer Maria Rilke wie ein jammerlicher wenn nicht sogar arroganter Mann erscheinen. Sehr viele Sexistische Sachen und er schien sich über alles mögliche zu beschweren (Kopfschmerzen, Leben, etc.)
Sehr unsympathisch, obwohl anfang wegen seinen Komplimenten zu Kupper er noch sehr nett wirkte.
Aber abgesehen davon ist Rainer Maria Rilkes Weltansicht sehr pessimistisch und ich würde sogar wagen zu sagen falsch.

🇬🇧

I'm not sure what to think of it. I would only give it 2 stars but that's a shame as I liked a few things he said, but most of the things really just made Rainer Maria Rilke look like a whiny or even arrogant man as he is very sexistic and seems to complain a lot (headache, life, etc.)
The man just seemed very unsympathetic even though, I, at first liked how he always praised the person he wrote to, the way Kuppa wrote and stuff. But except that his world view is very pessimistic and I would even dare to say wrong.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

princechariming's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

It's incredible that I've found this book at this time of my life. As someone trying to write, and explore my own self, the words Rilke puts forth to Mr Kappus have all the more weight. His encouragement, the way in which they are so heartfelt, and at times almost as sublime as his poetry?

My review can't quite capture my appreciation for the comfort, and passion, that this book provides.

asummaryofsorts's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.5

goosegirl23's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

this will warrant a reread. rilke is a fount of wisdom.

elga_sii's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Best read with a focused mind, perhaps somewhere close to nature. The language of this little collection is quite beautiful and the depths of thought both challenging and refreshing. Since I read it stressed and with a lot on my mind I didn't understand everything. If you need advice on loneliness, love and the human condition, maybe this is for you.

katefong's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

very wise words. i love this book. it’s also extremely short and very quick to get through!