A review by just_remy
Die Leiden des jungen Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

dark emotional 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

3.0

While I like the concept, there's always one major gripe I have with works form this era: the portrayal of women or, more specifically, female love interests, makes it really hard to connect with the male protagonists. 
Werther's infatuation with Lotte borders on obsession but although the majority of the book consists of Werther's letters to Wilhelm, it doesn't become clear what he loves about her. Granted, she's more than just a pretty face but she's simultaneously too detailed for the reader to insert a crush of their own and too shallow to relate to Werther. And then there's moments that make you doubt if he loved her at all, like the fact that Werther's suicide letter to Lotte effectively blames her for his suicide, and fantasizing about how she'd be reading this letter specifically on Christmas feels downright sadistic.
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