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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really enjoyable read; felt like I was free in spirit, wandering some Bavarian bucolic countryside along with Knulp; came to understand this idea of being "homesick for freedom" - a complicated, pithy phrase that perfectly encapsulates what the protagonist invokes in those he interacts with throughout his life. Overall, a very thought-provoking read on what one's contributions to society could be and how much compassion and kindness make the world go round, whether you're on the more obvious receiving end, or not. Felt some of Hesse's more buddhist theologies coming through in this, too, despite it feeling like more of a Christian text, especially at the end: this idea that all is as it should be and we just go with the flow; that happiness always has a dose of attachment embedded in the experience, however fleeting. That is suffering, suffering pain but also beauty. That is life.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Terminal illness
Short and simple story. Quite nostalgic, deals with the feeling of wanderlust and what is a worthy purpose to have in life. Very easy to read.
I think that we can all recognize ourselves in Knulp. Someone who just doesn't feel like he fits in and doesn't even feel like he belongs at his hometown. We learn along with him what is actually important and that there's no useless lives.
For some reason I can't give this 5 stars, but it's definitely 4.5 instead of just 4.
This is my fourth Hesse book and I'm really loving his silence and simplicity. Reading his books has the same feeling (I imagine) you would get from strolling around rural Germany...it's just...quiet. peaceful. simple. lots of room to carry out thoughts from their roots, etc.
This is my fourth Hesse book and I'm really loving his silence and simplicity. Reading his books has the same feeling (I imagine) you would get from strolling around rural Germany...it's just...quiet. peaceful. simple. lots of room to carry out thoughts from their roots, etc.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
To be honest, I like Knulp better than Demian. I felt that there were actual philosophies I could understand and/or relate to compared to the mediocre and absurd ones displayed in Demian. However, this read still felt rather unsatisfying, particularly with how it ended. It was a nice short read though. It just had a lot of room for more.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced