A review by writtenbypoets
Der Tod in Venedig by Thomas Mann

dark emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

So. It's complicated. 
In the first half of the book, I was mesmerized by the poetic writing style and descriptions. I can only speak for the German version and its writing. I loved to see Aschenbach come to terms with his struggle and finally realize that he needed a change. I was convinced that it would be a 5-star read. 

 
Then the pedophilia entered the subtext, at first very subtly, but quickly added very clearly into dialogue and the plot. His obsession with the 14-year-old little Polish boy took me aback. It pulled me completely out of the story and I couldn't ignore it or just observe it from afar. 
Aschenbach's behavior gets criticized by the story through the boy's family trying to keep him away from Aschenbach. But still. 
Maybe I'm just very sensitive when it comes to pedophilia. 

If you like poetic writing and can read about the themes listed above I would recommend it. It just wasn't for me in that regard.
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