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A review by mshusky
The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge by Rainer Maria Rilke
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I had never heard of this classic novel or this writer before I picked it up free from Chirp. It was a difficult (albeit rewarding) read.
This is NOT a linear novel, it is a series of fragmented reflections, journal entries, and philosophical musings as the protagonist,Malte Laurids Brigge, has existential crisises in Paris.
The prose is poetical, it transforms the bleak and mundane to profound reflections.
However, it is a dark/bleak novel, it does not lift the spirits, as he reflects on life, death, and human suffering (often, and at length).
Malte ends up consumed by loneliness, feelings of low self worth, and the meaningless of existence. There are times I would be frustrated by him and his inner darkness, but again, this novel is so worth it for the way the prose would wrap around and draw me in.
Narrator was just perfect for this novel.
This is NOT a linear novel, it is a series of fragmented reflections, journal entries, and philosophical musings as the protagonist,Malte Laurids Brigge, has existential crisises in Paris.
The prose is poetical, it transforms the bleak and mundane to profound reflections.
However, it is a dark/bleak novel, it does not lift the spirits, as he reflects on life, death, and human suffering (often, and at length).
Malte ends up consumed by loneliness, feelings of low self worth, and the meaningless of existence. There are times I would be frustrated by him and his inner darkness, but again, this novel is so worth it for the way the prose would wrap around and draw me in.
Narrator was just perfect for this novel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts