Reviews

The Prodigy by Hermann Hesse, Hilda R. Rosner

codexvraenise's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Hesse gives the reader an analysis and description of thoughts, emotions, character developement (mainly of a young teen beginning to understand the difference between child- and adulthood) and the human beeing itself with all the strenghts and faults. In doing so the author uses a very precise and especially honest language, which makes not only every character but also their actions and therefore the story appear very realistic. They also become very likable, as you can understand their motives and what drives them. After finishing the book I would have loved to read biographies of the other characters.
The story is decorated with a lot of fitting natural depictions, which may be not everybody's cup of tea (I found them completing the story well and perfectly reflecting what is going on the main character's mind).

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts

martin_books's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-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

4.0

zealot_of_apathy's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

harimaron's review against another edition

reflective sad slow-paced

4.75

teejaykl2402's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

spiralnode's review against another edition

sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

In 'The Prodigy' or 'Beneath the Wheel' as it would have been literally translated from German, Herman Hesse brings his philosophical notions to the reader, this time in a more subtle way than in 'Steppenwolf'. His opinions are not spelled out on paper, but rather can be inferred from the content. The evolution of the story prompts you to question the place of academic education, childhood and nurturing potential. 

Hans is a boy genius. He came second in the country at the national exam, and thus got admitted to a prestigious theology school. But the adults in the village advise him to continue studying over the summer, offering him tutoring in Greek, Hebrew and maths and encouraging him to prioritise learning over activities such as swimming or fishing on the hot days. Though Hans struggles, he listens to the authority figures, and continues to do so upon starting school as well. But he starts to experience feelings he was unprepared for: a classmate of his dies, and he befriends another one, Heilner, who is seen as somewhat of a rebel. Hans slowly starts questioning the meaning of life, the impact and results he is aiming for, and what kind of life he is embarking on.

I thought this book was solid. The writing does justice to the peacefulness of the German countryside, and the cast of characters expressively portray the classic 'I know better because I'm an adult'. Hans' opinion is not asked for, but it is seen as a matter of fact that his way is that of academic achievement. But there was a lack of connection for me. I enjoyed pondering the balance between freedom of thought and a set out path, but this wasn't new to me, and it was also not put in a way that made me think about it differently. I also do not especially like books that follow children, again, something I find difficulty connecting with. So while I liked it and thought it was worthwhile, it wasn't special to me.

sufosque's review against another edition

challenging dark sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Mental illness

Minor: Suicide

nanetw's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional 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? Yes

4.25

jordan_west's review against another edition

dark reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

tr_arnold's review against another edition

3.0

I am in a literary pit of despair.