Reviews with content warning for Emotional abuse - The Piano Teacher

While I consider this book to be five stars, it's also one I'd find difficult to recommend. It is a neurotic book which shows in its narration- no dialogues, only narration. I thought that it's an excellent narrative device which helps separate the exterior from the interior. While things do happen and are described, it is the things that happen within the characters' heads that are far more important and which the novel is far more concerned with.

The sexual content does not serve to titillate, but to further explore the psychology of the main character, Erika. Her deep repression and oppression at the hands of her mother left her psyche deeply twisted and manifested into her desires. Desire in this novel is violent and destructive. Erika's desire often shows itself through violence, because in her mind, it is a way to escape from her domineering mother. Her relationship with her student too, is an escape, from her mother and from unfulfilled dreams and desires as an artist.

The writing style highlights all of these well. By not having any dialogue, it shifts the focus from things happening to the characters' reactions as things happen. It is energetic and almost neurotic. Metaphorical language is used to show how deeply Erika is repressed and how tied she is to her mother's apron strings.

In the end, I truly liked this book despite how disturbing it was and how uncomfortable it made me. It is the kind of psychological deep dives into flawed, unlikeable characters that I enjoy, and for that, I give it five stars.

Content Warnings

1ncubus's review against another edition

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challenging dark

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Very hard read, both language and content wise. A raw depiction of a mentally tortured mind. Very graphic. None of the three characters are likeable, but extremely well written, fleshed out. Jelinek uses methaphors to the extent where you wonder what she is trying to tell you. One of the most challenging yet interesting books I have ever read, watch out for content warnings.

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ellislilylovestoread's review against another edition

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challenging dark slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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nualasiobhan333's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I was challenged by the translation writing style, but ended up really enjoying it. It took me longer to get through partly because of the writing style, but mostly because of the content. I had seen the movie years ago and was hesitant about reading it. I am happy to have read it, but will likely not be revisiting it in the future.

Content Warnings

louiseimaquarium's review against another edition

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dark tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Was ist gerade passiert?
Ich lieb den Schreibstil, Elfriede Jelinek schreibt smart, witzig, tiefgründig, aber dieser Plot ist schrecklich und ich war die meiste Zeit einfach ganz schön geschafft beim Lesen. Es hat mich nicht mal getriggert, weil alles so absurd war.

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