tmousa3's review against another edition
4.0
An engaging book that discusses philosophy and philosophers in a very simple way!
There is a summary about it in my blog - https://www.tamarayousefmousa.com/
There is a summary about it in my blog - https://www.tamarayousefmousa.com/
kamykiins's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
begentile's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
brekekeks_'s review against another edition
4.0
Czemu ja nie wiedziałam o istnieniu tej książki jak byłam młodsza? T-T
venusverti's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
A pretty decent guide to Philosophy to dip your toes into. Initially, I loved this book quite a lot - I enjoyed the imagery, allegories and teachings, including the backdrop of Alberto and Sophie, which was all quite mysterious! The intrigue kept me hooked and the "lessons" kept me satisfied. However, half way through I found the read to become a little slow and heavy and my interest wasn't as piqued. Not really sure why - perhaps the mystery felt to be dragging, the philosopher spiel a bit samey?? Regardless, I powered through as I did want to know more about Alberto and Sophie, then Albert and Hilde! And I did find it picked up towards the end - Darwin and Marx area - and happy to have read it all, and come to an interesting end. Overall, a generally good read, but do not feel I would ever have to read it again (nor maybe want to...)
anabellaedpb's review against another edition
4.0
Me ha gustado aún así se me hace demasiado enrevesado
clarissa_pos's review against another edition
Wasn't a good time to pick up this book. Also it's bit boring at times since i already have general knowledge of philosophy. Perhaps some other time
thefinalduck's review against another edition
5.0
Jostein Gaardner takes us on a riveting tour of the history of philosophy, with engaging and simple prose that's perfectly suited to the stage of our lives, as the protagonist fourteen year old Sophie Amundsen has reached, when philosophical questions begin to captivate our minds. Each of the movements discussed (Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, Romanticism and beyond) is dipped into extremely lightly: the objective of the text is to summarise and inspire, rather than debate in depth.
No pretension is attempted to suggest this is not a history textbook wrapped up in a novel, with self-conscious nods appearing with increasing frequency throughout. However, my impression was to find the fictitious story the more fascinating. In particular, the ways in which the themes and ideas cropping up at later points in history are woven into the plot are ingenious, and I really felt for Sophie at times, especially near the end of the book.
As the Gaarder himself shamelessly hints at multiple times, this is a story worth revisiting, and I certainly expect to do that one day.
No pretension is attempted to suggest this is not a history textbook wrapped up in a novel, with self-conscious nods appearing with increasing frequency throughout. However, my impression was to find the fictitious story the more fascinating. In particular, the ways in which the themes and ideas cropping up at later points in history are woven into the plot are ingenious, and I really felt for Sophie at times, especially near the end of the book.
As the Gaarder himself shamelessly hints at multiple times, this is a story worth revisiting, and I certainly expect to do that one day.
__comatoast's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Excellently thorough summary of western philosophy, perfect for beginners. although i did not care much for the actual “storyline”