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damiscous's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I've read this book a handful of times since I was a teenager, and, after some of my most difficult years, I have come back to it for reasons beyond myself. There is no doubt in my mind that I'll continue to come back to this work for reasons that extend beyond mere nostalgia and memories, the lyricism and beauty, mystery and mysticism that are contained in this work. The writing is not hard to follow. The plot is very much centered on the central character's growth as he becomes his own person, touching on religion, taboos, and the fear of independence. This is a work that, through different readings and information, the reader can find new meaning and questions in concerns to the text, World War I, and the life of Hermann Hesse. If there was ever book that I wanted to recommend, it would be this one. Take it, read it, hate it, come back to it and try again - I promise this book has something to offer to every human being in their everlasting journey of self-discovery.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, and War
Minor: Murder
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