Narziss and Goldmund (Narziss And Goldmund - Herman Hesse)

Member Name: oecp777

Product:	Narziss And Goldmund - Herman Hesse
Date:	05/06/03 (146 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: beautifully written, emotionally charged, intelligent questions cause the reader to reflect on his/her own life

Disadvantages: the average reader probably won't understand it

This is one of the greatest books I have ever read, and I am not easily entertained. Most books bore me to death and I am unable to finish them. The writing is beautiful, lyrical, almost poetic. The book has a dreamlike quality to it that transports you to another time and place. The moral questions are also relevant to the modern experience even though the story is set in medievel Germany. This book spoke to me about my own life. The first few chapters begin slowly as the time and place are set in stone, but once the story begins to blossom the power and lure of the book are magnetic. This book excited me, made me laugh, and ultimately brought tears to my face. Perhaps it was because I could relate to the inner struggles of the characters. Other reviewers have not been so kind. I feel sorry for people who cannot understand and experience the beauty of this book, but in a strange way I realize that possibly what brings these qualities to mind is a feeling of sadness in my heart that has always been there. I think people who are emotionally struggling or psychologically tormented will have a far greater appreciation for this book than someone who is merely looking for a good read. I found it to be a spiritual almost metaphysical experience.

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