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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
well this was an interesting book to ease me back into reading. was it the best book to start? probably not...???
enough yapping though, onto the book itself. i initially read it because it was quoted in the bandcamp description of the third album of one of my favorite artists ever: Traumnovelle. and while this novel doesn't exactly match the chaos of that itself, it compensates with an equally interesting dream-like, almost surrealistic atmosphere. if you like vaguely erotic descriptions with a hint of fairy dust, go with this novel i guess.
enough yapping though, onto the book itself. i initially read it because it was quoted in the bandcamp description of the third album of one of my favorite artists ever: Traumnovelle. and while this novel doesn't exactly match the chaos of that itself, it compensates with an equally interesting dream-like, almost surrealistic atmosphere. if you like vaguely erotic descriptions with a hint of fairy dust, go with this novel i guess.
mysterious
slow-paced
Man, Freud really did a number on the Viennese society of his time. This novella heavily lingers of themes of lust, the subconscious, and the place of the oneiric in reality. There is no straight forward way of explaining it: the entire narration veers into unexpected directions continuously, our main character mostly just following his urges and being almost transported by everything happening around him.
I guess another theme explored is one of infidelity, and whatever that means. The story opens with a confession of chance encounters that didn’t amount to anything in the end, fantasies basically, and later the rough same reoccurs in the form of a dream. The effects of these non-actions are nevertheless very tangible on the ego of our protagonist.
On the other hand, his adventures seem to be almost justified in his mind, he follows his instincts without thought and finds himself on the lap of random women, without fail. Bit hard to believe, when we know from his perspective how neurotic he is, a bit objectifying too. But I guess I liked how much the story lingers on lust because of how wild it is. Classics, even from this time, are hardly ever so explicit (in a way that actually sounds hot, looking at lady chatterley’s over there). It’s too outrageous not to appreciate it.
I wish I had more extensive thoughts on it but it’s really a lot to unravel for such a short piece of work. Don’t know if I fully support the message, and the characters aren’t the most likeable, but it’s wild ride and that’s enough.
I guess another theme explored is one of infidelity, and whatever that means. The story opens with a confession of chance encounters that didn’t amount to anything in the end, fantasies basically, and later the rough same reoccurs in the form of a dream. The effects of these non-actions are nevertheless very tangible on the ego of our protagonist.
On the other hand, his adventures seem to be almost justified in his mind, he follows his instincts without thought and finds himself on the lap of random women, without fail. Bit hard to believe, when we know from his perspective how neurotic he is, a bit objectifying too. But I guess I liked how much the story lingers on lust because of how wild it is. Classics, even from this time, are hardly ever so explicit (in a way that actually sounds hot, looking at lady chatterley’s over there). It’s too outrageous not to appreciate it.
I wish I had more extensive thoughts on it but it’s really a lot to unravel for such a short piece of work. Don’t know if I fully support the message, and the characters aren’t the most likeable, but it’s wild ride and that’s enough.
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A brilliant novella set in the decadent world of early 20th Century Vienna but primarily internal and psychological as it explores sexual desire and jealousy. I knew that it was the basis for Eyes Wide Shut but hadn't realised how faithful Kubrick's film is.
A thought-provoking, psychological read that explores themes of sexuality, jealousy and dreams. I would have liked it to be longer, if only because the premise was so fascinating. There were parts that didn't make complete sense but I can't help but feel that that was the point.