Author: E.T.A. Hoffmann, translated by Ronald Taylor
Source: Own
The son of a heinous sinner, Medardus is brought up in a monastery to atone for his father’s wicked ways. After succumbing to temptation, however, Medardus himself is lured into a life of sin, and he embarks upon a fantastical journey in which he meets his doppelganger, involves himself in a game of double impersonation, and becomes embroiled in murderous intrigues at the Vatican, before the mysterious curse hanging over him and his family is finally explained. (Taken from the back cover)
My Thoughts
This novel is a wonderful gothic mystery, with little bits of humour added in. I was hooked from the first page and it is the fastest I have ever read a classic novel. It is full of bizarre characters, that the reader meet through out, however I found that all the characters had a purpose within the novel.
The plot is like a rollercoaster and constantly keeps the reader on the edge on their seat. I was constantly surprised by the direction the novel took as it never went the way I thought it was going to go.
Overall, for me this is a true German Classic that should be read and appreciated by everyone.
I read this just over a month ago, and I absolutely loved it. Just the right amount of supernatural elements to keep the reader guessing 🙂
My review:
http://tonysreadinglist.blogspot.com/2011/10/dont-hassle-hoffmann.html
Caroline was just talking about this book in her comment to my review of the Sandman. She said I probably would doze off.But reading your review convinced me the other way. I am intrigued….but I do have a major problem with old languages,I am not used to such writing *sigh*
[…] Later) Hesse (Harry’s Loves/Narziss and Goldmund /Within and Without) Hoffmann (The Devil’s Elixirs /The Sandman (1) (2)) Hotschnig (Maybe This Time (1) (2) (3)) Jelinek (The Piano Teacher) Kafka […]