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C: Tue 2023-08-08T10:42:41+02:00
Written by Heinrich Mann, brother of famous Thomas Mann, this is book examines and unveils the inner workings of the society of the German Empire. It tells the rise of Diderich Heßling, a ruthless and pathetic industrialist who is exemplary for all the flaws of the corrupted system and society of the Reich.
Despite giving an deeply interesting insight into a society long bygone, i found this book not easy to read. This is not because the book was badly written. In fact, the writing is excellent and shows that, in comparasion with Thomas, Heinrich does not stand back as a brilliant teller of stories. The problem lies, as it seems, in the book's main character itself, for one has to follow this awful being quite closely. Seeing, what he sees, get to know his conclusions, and being stuck with the question, why would one act like this. Only gradually one understands, that this individual is nothing, not important for it is just a single Untertan, one small, insignificant subject of the Kaiser, and all the problems are, in a way, above him. It is the society and its grossly exaggerated faith in the German monarchy, that has made all this societal wasteland possible...
In conclusion, This book is an rewarding, insightful, albeit a bit straining journey, and certainly a must read for all those interested German history.
A book about a two people, and how they live their life without any problems (and the 'problems' that arise therefrom). This really sums up the story, in which we get to know Tanja, 29, a successful author, and Jerome, 30, a web designer. Raised in the absence of any worries, be it material, health-wise or anything else, they move through life professionally thriving and yet aimlessly. Without being forced to do so, they stress themselves obsessed by the goal of living an 'optimal' life. They wish to be special, super-individual, only to fall in categories they think to avoid. Everything must be an experience, a special moment. One has to 'feel at home' in a random train, in a random restaurant, or in a pair of shoes. Without the need of ever leaving their comfort zone and a social circle of like-minded people, they live their lifes in their bubble, in a hollow, mindless way.
I may not assess the extend to which this books and it's characters are a realistical portrayal of the contemporary attitude towards life in (parts of) the German upper middle class. It is natural for a satire to overdo and dramatize the subject and yet i must feel sorry for these people, as they would probably feel sorry for me, if they still can.