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debicates's review against another edition
2.0
A Classic. But why?
For decades, I've had the wrong idea about this book simply based on its title.
First, I thought it would be advice about writing poetry Second, I thought it was written by an older man to a younger man. Not a 28 year old to a 19 year old.
There really wasn't much concrete advice about writing poetry, except the advice to view the world as a poet and you can be anywhere to do so. And when you write, try to see or feel as if seeing or feeling for the first time; be original. (Both ideas haiku-ish, don't you think?) Also don't rely too much irony.
Rilke included some progressive ideas on men, women, and sexuality for his time. Just a decade or so later, Flappers came on the scene so he had certainly been paying attention to the subtle changes in society of 1903. But I doubt he has a new message for any one today -- except for the toxic male dinosaur. And like he's going to read this book?
Rilke emphasized childhood, nature, and alone time for the poet. Again, I think Western society, and not just writers, has embraced those messages for some time, and frequently under the tutelage of more expansive teachers (Freud, Walden, Woolf, et. al.)
I'd say that if this is a classic, it's made it there just under the wire. If you haven't read it, you are not missing any important ideas that you haven't already encountered. And frankly, in the translation I read, the writing is overstuffed and a bit condescending, to this reader anyway.
To be fair, maybe I should read some Rilke poetry now. Letters, though, hasn't inspired me much to do so.
For decades, I've had the wrong idea about this book simply based on its title.
First, I thought it would be advice about writing poetry Second, I thought it was written by an older man to a younger man. Not a 28 year old to a 19 year old.
There really wasn't much concrete advice about writing poetry, except the advice to view the world as a poet and you can be anywhere to do so. And when you write, try to see or feel as if seeing or feeling for the first time; be original. (Both ideas haiku-ish, don't you think?) Also don't rely too much irony.
Rilke included some progressive ideas on men, women, and sexuality for his time. Just a decade or so later, Flappers came on the scene so he had certainly been paying attention to the subtle changes in society of 1903. But I doubt he has a new message for any one today -- except for the toxic male dinosaur. And like he's going to read this book?
Rilke emphasized childhood, nature, and alone time for the poet. Again, I think Western society, and not just writers, has embraced those messages for some time, and frequently under the tutelage of more expansive teachers (Freud, Walden, Woolf, et. al.)
I'd say that if this is a classic, it's made it there just under the wire. If you haven't read it, you are not missing any important ideas that you haven't already encountered. And frankly, in the translation I read, the writing is overstuffed and a bit condescending, to this reader anyway.
To be fair, maybe I should read some Rilke poetry now. Letters, though, hasn't inspired me much to do so.
warroleggo's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Effortlessly introspective and insightful in its portrayal of Rilke's approach to life. Equally progressive for its time and universally important, Rilke addresses the pressing issues that youth face in their early adulthood with precision and personal depth. Has become a guide to my life, clearing up the obscurities that fogged and will fog up my vision.
larasimonovski's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
hcneysuckle's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
mollief's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Right place, right time. Good if you are questioning your own creativity.
cass_lit's review against another edition
3.5
There were some good nuggets of wisdom in here but nothing that I think will change my life profoundly