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patera's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
marcio's review against another edition
5.0
I lately noticed that I am re-reading some books I own as if there isn't a bunch of others waiting for me patiently.
"Knulp" by Herman Hesse was one of these books I ended up re-reading while visiting my family in my hometown last August. It seemed to be a quick and short read. it is indeed. Yet, in my humble opinion, it is hard to finish it unscathed.
The book is divided into three smaller books or chapters, and in each one, we learn a little more about Knulp's wandering life. Being a very friendly person, he is welcomed in most places and people enjoy his company. But he is also a loner, he seems to fear becoming closer to anyone more than the necessary to be able to move on. It is in the third and last book, when our old and ill hero is about to abandone life, that we come to understand Knulp life decisions and if he really was ever assured of them. It is in such a moment that we are also presented to a beautiful and poetic, conversation between an agonizing Knulp and God.
Knulp may be a wonderer, but not a "good for nothing" or an outcast. While exerting his freedom, he is also quite responsible, loyal, respectiful. It is just that we, as a society, tend to think and see such a person as unable to have a moral life. And in this respect, Knulp seemed to me like a great-great grandfather of another character I love pretty much, Holden Caulfield.
It is a nice, short and beautiful book.
"Knulp" by Herman Hesse was one of these books I ended up re-reading while visiting my family in my hometown last August. It seemed to be a quick and short read. it is indeed. Yet, in my humble opinion, it is hard to finish it unscathed.
The book is divided into three smaller books or chapters, and in each one, we learn a little more about Knulp's wandering life. Being a very friendly person, he is welcomed in most places and people enjoy his company. But he is also a loner, he seems to fear becoming closer to anyone more than the necessary to be able to move on. It is in the third and last book, when our old and ill hero is about to abandone life, that we come to understand Knulp life decisions and if he really was ever assured of them. It is in such a moment that we are also presented to a beautiful and poetic, conversation between an agonizing Knulp and God.
Knulp may be a wonderer, but not a "good for nothing" or an outcast. While exerting his freedom, he is also quite responsible, loyal, respectiful. It is just that we, as a society, tend to think and see such a person as unable to have a moral life. And in this respect, Knulp seemed to me like a great-great grandfather of another character I love pretty much, Holden Caulfield.
It is a nice, short and beautiful book.
theuncultured's review against another edition
4.0
"How clear and simple life was! He had thrown himself away, he had lost interest in everything, and life, falling in with his feelings, had demanded nothing of him."
Hesse writes out the hermit like no other, the lost poetic soul in an overwhelmingly square society, the wanderer among the husbands and wives. Knulp wanders in and out of towns, running into old friends and strangers and brings joy into their worlds. His lifestyle is almost enviable to most; the freedom to go where his feet take him without being tethered to a person or place. But there's an obvious pettiness to it that others can't help but speak of, "Would things have turned out differently for you had you stayed in Latin school and made something of yourself?" In the last part of the book, Knulp asks himself the same question (in a conversation with God). When at the end he finally lies in the snow, happy and fulfilled with the choices he's made, a cathartic feeling begins in your gut and you think "Good."
Hesse writes out the hermit like no other, the lost poetic soul in an overwhelmingly square society, the wanderer among the husbands and wives. Knulp wanders in and out of towns, running into old friends and strangers and brings joy into their worlds. His lifestyle is almost enviable to most; the freedom to go where his feet take him without being tethered to a person or place. But there's an obvious pettiness to it that others can't help but speak of, "Would things have turned out differently for you had you stayed in Latin school and made something of yourself?" In the last part of the book, Knulp asks himself the same question (in a conversation with God). When at the end he finally lies in the snow, happy and fulfilled with the choices he's made, a cathartic feeling begins in your gut and you think "Good."
alek_sandra's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
aubergenieliest's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
bi4ncvx's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
alice_sherwood12's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
akaume's review against another edition
4.0
Fez-me sentir exatamente o mesmo quando estava a ler as short stories do Hemingway. Tenho um misto de sentimentos. Aborreceu-me até ao momento em que se tornou algo mais e agora significa bastante para mim.
izasballad's review against another edition
2.0
It is a quick and easy read. It shows three major points in Knulp's life, and how his attitude changes over time. I love his philosophical musings. He was seen as unworthy, but he always gave people comfort which makes him a likable character. It's a good self-reflecting book and it was easy to follow along.
alzlwldu's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I find it difficult to put into words how much I love Knulp. This was my first read in Portuguese but my second read overall (the first one being in English) and there's something so comforting in reading the warmth that Knulp brings to everyone he meets in your mother tongue.
Knulp, above all, is human. He seems to be an elevated and overdeveloped human with his thirst for freedom, completely ignoring and contrarian to the standards of the time – if we think about it, also contrarian to our times – and questioning these on his very last moment, only to be de-escalated by God Himself, with what I consider to be the most emotional, beautiful, vulnerable and raw dialogue I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
I too, wish to be like Knulp.
Knulp, above all, is human. He seems to be an elevated and overdeveloped human with his thirst for freedom, completely ignoring and contrarian to the standards of the time – if we think about it, also contrarian to our times – and questioning these on his very last moment, only to be de-escalated by God Himself, with what I consider to be the most emotional, beautiful, vulnerable and raw dialogue I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
I too, wish to be like Knulp.