A review by msgtdameron
The Devil's Elixirs by E.T.A. Hoffmann

dark tense slow-paced

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

3.5

A very confusing book.  The Hero/Anti-hero, Mederus, commits three murders and is almost punished for them.  But, he isn't.  His doppelgänger is actually punished for the murders but escapes punishment.  In the end the doppelgänger is found to be Mederus brother from an illicit relationship between their father and an Abbess.  In this edition there is a family tree on the last page.  The introduction fails to mention this family tree.  If you decide to read this work, copy Mederus family tree from the last page and keep it handy as you go through the work.  This will alliviate confusion as you read it.  If I had done this first.  If I had known about there family tree I would have copied it after the first set of confusion hit me and the work would have gotten a four star review.  Can't get over the going Huh during the first 100 or so pages.  My fault.