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franksreads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
100reads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Delightful little nuggets 😘
fearandtrembling's review against another edition
4.0
A beguiling and perplexing collection of feuilletons and prose pieces, many of which were written after Walser achieved some fame and success with his novels (that I've not read). Walser's writing is bird-like, ambiguous, flitting from one idea to another. The tone is light and swift-footed, but it's a fugitive kind of lightness--underneath, Walser is burrowing into some deep stuff and can often be unsettling. It's necessary to read him closely.
What struck me the most at this point was that many of the pieces in the first half of the book were written during the first world war, and Walser does not once talk about it directly. Instead, there are constant references to the beauty of nature, of the miniscule things one notices on a daily basis, and most importantly, the kindness of people. In the Walserian world, a sense of being in the world is enhanced when people and nature itself are friendly, gentle, and tender. "A heaven open when people are kind to one another". In one of the only pieces where he dwells in the dark, written in 1917, he says, "And the people were poor, pale, sick, storm-driven slaves lashed into terror. No one trusted anyone anymore."
This typical Walserian focus on kindness and a general sense of hospitality is a kind of salve. Far from being a retreat from serious matters and "real life", it seems to suggest a commitment to people and the world in a time of brutality, when it would have been easy to simply write about how bad things were, and that's interesting to think about.
My full review is available here.
What struck me the most at this point was that many of the pieces in the first half of the book were written during the first world war, and Walser does not once talk about it directly. Instead, there are constant references to the beauty of nature, of the miniscule things one notices on a daily basis, and most importantly, the kindness of people. In the Walserian world, a sense of being in the world is enhanced when people and nature itself are friendly, gentle, and tender. "A heaven open when people are kind to one another". In one of the only pieces where he dwells in the dark, written in 1917, he says, "And the people were poor, pale, sick, storm-driven slaves lashed into terror. No one trusted anyone anymore."
This typical Walserian focus on kindness and a general sense of hospitality is a kind of salve. Far from being a retreat from serious matters and "real life", it seems to suggest a commitment to people and the world in a time of brutality, when it would have been easy to simply write about how bad things were, and that's interesting to think about.
My full review is available here.
dadoodoflow's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.0
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
3.0
2016 NYRB Selection for Sept.
Walser's short stories are really more like flash fiction, though that term had not been invented when his work was first published. If you have read Italio Calvino, you might want to try Walser for the writing, magic, and absurdity are very similar, though Calvino is the better writer.
The best stories in this collection are the ones about the kittens, the spirit of the forest, and the murderess. There is some humor as well, as in the one about the dentist.
Walser's short stories are really more like flash fiction, though that term had not been invented when his work was first published. If you have read Italio Calvino, you might want to try Walser for the writing, magic, and absurdity are very similar, though Calvino is the better writer.
The best stories in this collection are the ones about the kittens, the spirit of the forest, and the murderess. There is some humor as well, as in the one about the dentist.
wtfisapoet's review
I adore Robert Walser. A romantic who does romanticize his romanticism. Gosh golly I would kiss you if I could Bob.
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