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annamarni_'s review against another edition
Honestly this book is too dense and challenging for me to read atm whilst still studying full time
Hope to revisit it later in life ! 😅 just don’t have the time or brain power rn
Hope to revisit it later in life ! 😅 just don’t have the time or brain power rn
norvis13's review against another edition
4.0
"The Glass Bead Game" is an engrossing but occasionally unfocused work, a fictional biography from the future. Its subject is Joseph Knecht, the Magister Ludi of the Glass Bead Game, a scholarly/aesthetic puzzle "played" (where playing is understood as constructing elaborate theses) by linking apparently disparate subjects. Hesse's prose is exquisite, and the story is deeply compelling in a strange, circular, quasi-religious way (Hesse's fascination with Asian mysticism is clearly evident, both overtly in his "history" of ideological development and more subtly to scholars of the subject, particularly Buddhism). Knecht is a compelling protagonist, and the other chief characters (though few in number) are depicted with a warmth and vitality that is a delight to read.
The main problem with the book is its format. Hesse is deeply faithful to his mock-biographical format, and the end of the narrative of Knecht's life is (for me, at least) deeply unsatisfying. This is actually made worse by the fact that appended to the end of the narrative are Knecht's "posthumous writings" which, if anything, are more elliptical and obscure than the rest of the book. It is also worth noting that Hesse, as a mid-20th century white male, is a dishearteningly non-diverse writer. All the characters are apparently assumed to be white, and I believe there is exactly one (tertiary) female character. (It is striking that for an "enlightened" society, even in the 1930's, Knecht's scholarly organization admits exclusively men.)
Aside from these organizational and ideological issues, it is a book I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys pseudo-mystical and speculative fiction. A sci-fi hagiography, if you will.
The main problem with the book is its format. Hesse is deeply faithful to his mock-biographical format, and the end of the narrative of Knecht's life is (for me, at least) deeply unsatisfying. This is actually made worse by the fact that appended to the end of the narrative are Knecht's "posthumous writings" which, if anything, are more elliptical and obscure than the rest of the book. It is also worth noting that Hesse, as a mid-20th century white male, is a dishearteningly non-diverse writer. All the characters are apparently assumed to be white, and I believe there is exactly one (tertiary) female character. (It is striking that for an "enlightened" society, even in the 1930's, Knecht's scholarly organization admits exclusively men.)
Aside from these organizational and ideological issues, it is a book I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys pseudo-mystical and speculative fiction. A sci-fi hagiography, if you will.
stephatree's review against another edition
4.0
It's a bit long. Maybe a bit longer than it needs to be. But I really enjoyed it! It made me realize how nerdy I am. A school doesn't need to be magical like Hogwarts in order to appeal to me. Of course, I couldn't have gotten into a Castalian school due to my gender. But anyway, I did love going on this vicarious adventure with Joseph.
At first, Joseph's excitement to go to Castalia is utterly contagious. He is a nerd too, excited to learn and become a member of this exclusive intellectual elite. Then came waves of doubt. Will this really be the best life for Joseph? Is life in Castalia really superior to life out "in the world?"
The arguments against Castalia had some persuasive points. For example, Castalians live on the government's dime, which makes some people see them as a burden to society. Especially when Castalians spend their lives researching topics that don't really matter. These studies often don't seem to contribute to society at all.
There's really a lack of purpose for much of Castalian life. I found it really surprising and sad that they are discouraged from expressing creativity outside the glass bead game. It's odd that they deeply study and revere the arts, yet don't make any art themselves. They don't write creatively or paint or make original music.
These drawbacks to Castalian life made me relate heavily to Joseph's internal struggle. Part of him feels drawn to the outside world, where he feels his life could be more purposeful and free. Yet, the Order offers a life of relative carefree stability, where he can devote his life to his beloved glass bead game.
There is foreshadowing throughout the book, but it didn't spoil the journey for me at all. It felt like a heartwarming, thought-provoking journey.
At first, Joseph's excitement to go to Castalia is utterly contagious. He is a nerd too, excited to learn and become a member of this exclusive intellectual elite. Then came waves of doubt. Will this really be the best life for Joseph? Is life in Castalia really superior to life out "in the world?"
The arguments against Castalia had some persuasive points. For example, Castalians live on the government's dime, which makes some people see them as a burden to society. Especially when Castalians spend their lives researching topics that don't really matter. These studies often don't seem to contribute to society at all.
There's really a lack of purpose for much of Castalian life. I found it really surprising and sad that they are discouraged from expressing creativity outside the glass bead game. It's odd that they deeply study and revere the arts, yet don't make any art themselves. They don't write creatively or paint or make original music.
These drawbacks to Castalian life made me relate heavily to Joseph's internal struggle. Part of him feels drawn to the outside world, where he feels his life could be more purposeful and free. Yet, the Order offers a life of relative carefree stability, where he can devote his life to his beloved glass bead game.
There is foreshadowing throughout the book, but it didn't spoil the journey for me at all. It felt like a heartwarming, thought-provoking journey.
mordiscasrios's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
4.75
Masterpiece of a reflective literature, undercut by a gentle tone of humor and satire. I laughed a lot. It was a very enjoyable read
hungerford's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jayrinehart's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
bradydh's review against another edition
5.0
Hesse is a master of existential literature. Time and time again the man has changed the way I look at the world as he adds little insights here and there ultimately leading to deep truths about the human condition. I feel like I need to say thank you to Hesse, he’s been a therapist and a mentor throughout the past few months (from Siddhartha, Steppenwolf, and Glass Bead Game). I can’t wait to read more - maybe trees and Demian will be my next 2
ismelllikebooks's review against another edition
1.0
This book is 500 pages too long. In bits and spurts it's brilliant. Then it beats you to death with words.
yc0210's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Certain lovely passages and insights on music and ultimately on finding purpose