Reviews

I really, REALLY tried to finish this book, especially considering the literary and historical reviews were exemplary. I just could not take the philosophical discussions, the rabbit trails, the point of it all. I know it has tremendous historical significance pre- and post-WWI Germany, but 700 pages is too much to endure.

tash1531718's review

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Not sure if it was the translation, the old style of writing or the intention, but the dialogue felt painfully dull and unimportant. I felt that I had read enough to understand the purpose of the book, and otherwise was just bored of it.

leighaa's review

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challenging reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

loujoseph's review against another edition

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5.0

My favorite Mann, nice combination of humor and seriousness. I've read this book twice now, and it was also interesting to see the change in my reaction to the self-serious Hans and his occasionally overblown reactions to the people in the sanitarium.

previously read march 2000

workingfortheknife's review

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4.0

powerhouse novelist from germany. back when i studied german we read "der tod in venedig" for a class, and his nobel prize is well earned. it is a novel that excels in feeling dated and fresh at the same time, haunted by its own inaffect by time and its passing. excellent. may be bumped up to 5 when i next read it again in english.

dancingqueenoldandmean's review

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challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

friedrichengels's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

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