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A review by carojust
Beware of Pity by Stefan Zweig
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Man discovers empathy, chaos ensues.
This is an interesting study on the effect of pity, from a drop of consideration, to a cascading community upheaval. A young lieutenant named Hofmiller retells his experience with the wealthy Kekesfalva family, starting with his shameful blunder -- asking young Edith to dance, then realizing she's disabled.
It took me a while to appreciate Stefan Zweig's prose, which is immediately dramatic; monologues feel endless, though it's all in service of dragging you into the emotional turmoil of each character, mostly Hofmiller.
This book reminded me how entwined selfishness and selflessness are, despite being sold as wholly separate. Hofmiller feels proud and light, strong and capable, as he offers his presence to the family as a charity. Yet in his mind, Edith is a monster, the sounds of her crutches haunting him, her petulant outbursts controlling both him and the family. Zweig brilliantly creates the most destestable characters, and it's their self pity that creates the most destruction.
You'll love this if you're into translated historical fiction, thought-provoking takes on societal pressure and constructs, and themes about prejudice and misogyny.
This is an interesting study on the effect of pity, from a drop of consideration, to a cascading community upheaval. A young lieutenant named Hofmiller retells his experience with the wealthy Kekesfalva family, starting with his shameful blunder -- asking young Edith to dance, then realizing she's disabled.
It took me a while to appreciate Stefan Zweig's prose, which is immediately dramatic; monologues feel endless, though it's all in service of dragging you into the emotional turmoil of each character, mostly Hofmiller.
This book reminded me how entwined selfishness and selflessness are, despite being sold as wholly separate. Hofmiller feels proud and light, strong and capable, as he offers his presence to the family as a charity. Yet in his mind, Edith is a monster, the sounds of her crutches haunting him, her petulant outbursts controlling both him and the family. Zweig brilliantly creates the most destestable characters, and it's their self pity that creates the most destruction.
You'll love this if you're into translated historical fiction, thought-provoking takes on societal pressure and constructs, and themes about prejudice and misogyny.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Chronic illness, Death, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Self harm, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Classism