Reviews

Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke

auroraleighs's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective slow-paced

3.75

There were some lovely parts of this book but I honestly think this must be a poor translation. Some very weird sentences that must have been translated too directly from the German.

chamomiledaydreams's review against another edition

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reflective fast-paced

2.0

I read a bit of Rainer Maria Rilke in college, for a class about Orpheus and Eurydice.  Honestly, though, his name stuck with me more than the poem itself.  I acquired a copy of this book by chance and decided to read it, because I recognized the author.  It was just OK, in my opinion.  I can see how it would resonate for some people, but it didn't really for me.  Truthfully, my favorite part of this book was the handwritten inscription at the beginning: Apparently, someone gifted this copy to someone else a couple of decades back, and that moved me more than anything contained in these letters.  

mooseabs's review against another edition

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4.0

In love with the author now. One of those books which fills you with unbridled joy to read.

belamaesano's review

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hopeful reflective medium-paced

3.0

heinfienbrot's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.0

ixchelmont's review against another edition

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5.0

Gentleness and wisdom.

subiyaaa_'s review against another edition

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inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

clarepeppler's review

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hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

“You must believe that something is happening to you, that life has not forgotten you, that it holds you in its hand. It shall not let you fall.“

I understand the hype!! This is so beautiful and just what I needed. Simple in theme but contemplative and warmly inspiring. 
So excited to read more of his work now

pompeuc's review against another edition

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fast-paced

2.0

theuncultured's review against another edition

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5.0

"It is the same everywhere; but that is no reason for anxiety or depression; if there is no communion between other people and yourself, try to be near things, which will not desert you; the nights are still there, and the winds that go through the trees and over many lands..."

I wish I read these letters a year ago. Everything I need for my soul is in this book, a repulsive cover with such a sweet filling. I can see myself going back to this, year after year, randomly picking out letters to soothe my spirit. I'm so glad I discovered Rilke, he is the finest balm for loneliness.