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A review by jimmypat
Klingsor's Last Summer by Hermann Hesse
2.0
This is the 23rd book in series that I am calling “quarantine life.” With all of our public libraries closed due to the corona virus, I have turned to my own bookshelves to find books to read. This may be the last, as our libraries have opened up.
I can see why Hesse was popular in the 60s with young people; he writes about what he sees as the dual nature in man... moralistic living versus “doing your own thing.” Hesse’s characters struggles with this duality and always avoid the simple and mature route and dive deep into their own needs and concerns. At best, Hesse’s philosophy is juvenile... at worst, satanic.
I got through the first two stories and couldn’t be bothered to finish the story that the book is named for. Too much navel gazing and relativism for me. I wouldn’t say this is complete garbage, as Hesse can write, but it isn’t enriching. He is an author I should have left to my youth.
I can see why Hesse was popular in the 60s with young people; he writes about what he sees as the dual nature in man... moralistic living versus “doing your own thing.” Hesse’s characters struggles with this duality and always avoid the simple and mature route and dive deep into their own needs and concerns. At best, Hesse’s philosophy is juvenile... at worst, satanic.
I got through the first two stories and couldn’t be bothered to finish the story that the book is named for. Too much navel gazing and relativism for me. I wouldn’t say this is complete garbage, as Hesse can write, but it isn’t enriching. He is an author I should have left to my youth.