Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Religious bigotry, Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Mental illness, Misogyny
Minor: Child death, Sexual content, Grief
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
adventurous
challenging
slow-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
Though I always loved the idea of Faust, I was never a fan of the writing style. Sorry, Goethe!
I liked the concept but wasn't nuts about the translation. I'd be interested to check out Kaufmann's version in the future.
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Read for class. Readable but not a fan.
While I had read Faust I several times before, this was the first time that I actually managed to finish Faust II. Honestly, I don't think I'd have made it through Faust II without the pressure of having to read it for a university class. Whereas Faust I can be an enlightening (and possibly life-changing) read with emotions that can still be understood in today's world, Faust II is simply... well, weird. There are countless references to Goethe's time and Greek mythology, which are very hard to understand in today's world, where Classical mythology has sadly ceased to play a big role in school curriculums. Parts of it left me utterly exasperated and gave me the strong urge to tear out the pages and chew them. Nevertheless, even the second book also had its glorious moments. Some passages had the same timeless nature as Faust I. And the language of both parts is breathtakingly beautiful and accurate no matter what time or world you're living in.
After reading this twice, I can safely come to the conclusion that I just like this story more in concept than execution.
Classic lovers will probably murder me for giving this a two star. The writting is awesome and if you like old stories written in poetic verses that go on lengthy description about nature and magical creatures this is for you. This is a five star quality work but gets two stars because it was mostly about Helen of Troy and less about Faust. This should have be re-named Helen of Troy meets some guy named Faust. Seriously, like over two hundred pages just describing the cliffs and walls and courtly architecture of the life of Helen of Troy. Just when you get into this spooky underworld powers that Faust thinks to wield, it cut backs to Helen of Troy and how beautiful she is -most of the story was about her beauty. Also, how does anyone get off calling this a tradegy? Did they read to the end? (Or have most people dropped off after hearing about Helen of Troy for the hundreth time.)Yes Faust dies, but he gets saved by like the Virgin Mary and other female saints. Last I checked his soul is being carried into heaven instead of down to hell like it should have been had his deal with Mephistopheles not been fought over by angels.
Speaking of Mephistopheles, he's the best character anywhere. I can see why he is considered the most humours character in classic German literature.
What I did learn was that considering how long ago this book was written people haven't changed at all: All the struggles of academic students, the lives of the working class, the attitudes they express, same as now.
The Urfaust part of this was better because it was about Faust and not Helen of Troy.
The production of this abridged audio is amazing!
I loved the first part, part two wasn’t as good in my opinion.
I loved the first part, part two wasn’t as good in my opinion.