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A review by cryo_guy
Michael Kohlhaas by Heinrich von Kleist
5.0
I had a great time with this one. A slim volume; a recent, new translation of Kleist's medieval German tale. I didn't know much about Kleist but after reading about his influences and such it seemed like a cool book to try out. Plus, I liked the cover a lot. As for the translation, I really couldnt say if it's better than previous ones or not, but it definitely seems to stick to the German-style syntax which I know can be taxing for some English speakers. To that end, my only real criticism is that in parts it does drag. However, overall it's a short tale so it's not too weighty.
The story has elements of folklore to it, notably featuring a gypsy's prophecy (or two). And the other significant element was the "pre-absurdist" participation in bureaucracy which makes it clear why Kafka loved it so much. I enjoyed the revenge tale aspect which winded its way through the bureaucracy until the more folkloric resolution capped it off. Definitely worth a read if any of those things sound interesting. For the more demanding reader, I might say that it's not the most accessible text, but I don't think it's that exclusive at all. And it really becomes something more than merely a revenge tale which gives it a depth you might not expect to find!
For whatever reason, I've found myself bouncing around various absurdist books from different countries and it was cool to read a very early version of such elements in a book that wasn't consumed by the genre.
5/5 for exceeding my expectations. I almost wish it were longer.
The story has elements of folklore to it, notably featuring a gypsy's prophecy (or two). And the other significant element was the "pre-absurdist" participation in bureaucracy which makes it clear why Kafka loved it so much. I enjoyed the revenge tale aspect which winded its way through the bureaucracy until the more folkloric resolution capped it off. Definitely worth a read if any of those things sound interesting. For the more demanding reader, I might say that it's not the most accessible text, but I don't think it's that exclusive at all. And it really becomes something more than merely a revenge tale which gives it a depth you might not expect to find!
For whatever reason, I've found myself bouncing around various absurdist books from different countries and it was cool to read a very early version of such elements in a book that wasn't consumed by the genre.
5/5 for exceeding my expectations. I almost wish it were longer.