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bvic's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The more of Hesses work I read, the more insight into him I feel I gleam. In this case, I’m disturbed yet again by his characters (and by association, his) bouts of alcoholism and depression. However disturbed I am, and I am for it’s a great shame that he suffered so much in his life, I’m grateful that he is able to articulate so distinctly the unique experience of these illnesses.
I’m also disturbed by the sexism - specifically the disregard of women as simple creatures with simple predictable emotions, as either objects of desire or pity but nothing else, and as characters with no development and therefore no possible redemtion - but after 7 Hesse books I’m almost numb to it. This book was a particular low on that front though and gave me a sour impression of Hesse that will stick.
I’m also disturbed by the sexism - specifically the disregard of women as simple creatures with simple predictable emotions, as either objects of desire or pity but nothing else, and as characters with no development and therefore no possible redemtion - but after 7 Hesse books I’m almost numb to it. This book was a particular low on that front though and gave me a sour impression of Hesse that will stick.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Sexism, and Suicide