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A review by chrismologos
Cassandra by Christa Wolf
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a re-read of the "novel", for me, but my first time reading the complementary essays.
I really enjoyed the novel -- I think it is a wonderful evocation of the character's introspection. Though the tight narrative focus means she really takes no prisoners in terms of the wider story, so I wouldn't recommend it for those less familiar with the bones of the Iliad...
The essays: I found it harder to get into them, particularly the first two "travel reports". The "work diaries", however, really pulled together a lot of the thoughts behind Wolf's writings, and the context of East German politics.
I really enjoyed the novel -- I think it is a wonderful evocation of the character's introspection. Though the tight narrative focus means she really takes no prisoners in terms of the wider story, so I wouldn't recommend it for those less familiar with the bones of the Iliad...
The essays: I found it harder to get into them, particularly the first two "travel reports". The "work diaries", however, really pulled together a lot of the thoughts behind Wolf's writings, and the context of East German politics.