A collection of twenty-two fairy tales by the Nobel Prize-winning novelist, most translated into English for the first time, show the influence of ...
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Jun 25, 2008
Brenda
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I read one story from this collection of fairy tales each night before bed. I keep waiting for them to infiltrate my dreams and maybe they do, but so far I have not remembered. I do think about them though. My favorite tale from the book is about wishes. A stranger offers the people of a village each one wish. How do you think that tale develops? You kind of know because it's a story that we've all heard, right? It has become part of our collective consciousness. I learn by reading these tales,
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Nov 20, 2008
Shaun
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Hesse's brilliance in conveying timeless truths though simple prose apparently also works in short story form. I wonder about the "fairy tales" aspect of the title, I think this is actually just a collection of short stories. Some do have elements of fairly tales, but the form is unique. It's a blend of the classic fairy tale format, more modern adaptations (think Gabriel Garcia Marquez), and Hesse's own philosophies.
The book is filled with incredible stories, among my favorites More...
The book is filled with incredible stories, among my favorites More...
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Jan 18, 2011
Indah
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It's not easy to qualify this book into a certain genre. The stories are actually pieces of Hesse himself, his deepest thoughts, dreams, ideology, yearnings, and I say some of his personal experiences in the real life. Only he put it as though we are reading tales. Some of the stories I love are 'If The War Continues' and 'The City'.
Hesse is such a deep person. While reading it, I decided not to be lured to follow his thoughts though (for his stories could lit flickering thoughts). For me, More...
Hesse is such a deep person. While reading it, I decided not to be lured to follow his thoughts though (for his stories could lit flickering thoughts). For me, More...
Aug 24, 2011
Elizabeth
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Although not the typical collection of fairy tales that I am accustomed to reading, these stories still harken back to tales such as those collected by Grimms' and Perault. The main differences I found in Hesse's tales are the creation of the individualized protagonist and the much more blatant darkness.The typical fairy tale tends to be more general (playing more with motifs) and is displayed before a dark background rather than being completed immersed in it.
Overall, I really enjo More...
Overall, I really enjo More...
Aug 11, 2007
Jade
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Much can be learned from the ruminations of mountains....and everyone should write fairy tales for their time.
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Nov 28, 2009
Chris
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I had only read a few short stories by Hesse before picking up this book. Some of the stories are shocking. I want to know, for instance, what Hesse has aganist women and veganitarians. Honestly, really, what did vegans every do to him?
Most of the stories are excellent. My only complaint is the ordering of the stories. Zipes put them in publication/written order, which makes sense. The drawback, however, is that you are reading one too many anti-war stories in a row. There are More...
Most of the stories are excellent. My only complaint is the ordering of the stories. Zipes put them in publication/written order, which makes sense. The drawback, however, is that you are reading one too many anti-war stories in a row. There are More...
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Oct 05, 2009
Lena
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I feel like I would be better qualified to review this book if I had more of an understanding of the literary history of the fairy tale. As it stands, however, I know only enough about the genre to say that Hesse's collection is traditional in the sense that they are not really written with Disney-fed children in mind, as these tales are mostly serious in theme and happy endings are often wanting.
Like any collection of stories, I found some more powerful than others. "Fald More...
Like any collection of stories, I found some more powerful than others. "Fald More...
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Aug 27, 2007
Justine
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I honestly think that I didn't sacrifice nearly enough of my concentration on these stories, and if I had, perhaps I would have finished it feeling a little something more than I do now. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this immensely, it seemed like a window into Hermann Hesse's soul, especially the introduction by Jack Zipes which seemed more of less of a mini-biography of Hesse. I could see through each story different facets of Hesse, different worries, concerns and wishes. I found this an imme
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Jun 14, 2010
Michael
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Obviously if you know me you know I love Hermann Hesse. I am truly a fan of his short stories, or rather fairy tales. This collection continues Hesse's story of a journey and finding peace at the end of one's life, but there are varied themes in this volume as well. There are stories that delve into his pacifism as well as many other themes which I believe further demonstrate his genius.
Oct 19, 2009
Only a chapter or two into this one so far, but already very intriguing. Hesse's lifelong friendship with Carl Jung (the book of their letters is very revealing, and provides deep insight into both men's work) must have flavored this attempt at showing how fairy tales from way, way back foreshadowed Jung's archetypes in the same way that the Greek and Roman gods, and symbols throughout pre-history, also did.
Nov 26, 2009
Hans
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I can feel Hesse's personal struggles through his writing. That almost all of these tales are about "coming home" clearly shows how eagerly he himself was seeking after that elusive destination. I did however struggle to appreciate the style or layout and direction. The stories felt like first drafts that he never meant to be published, like notebook doodling. It has to do with how he chose to tell the story in such a haphazard way, and I am not sure if that was his original intent
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Jun 21, 2010
با من همگام شد و پرسید:تو امروز قصد کجا داری؟
گفتن:به سیر دنیا میروم.پدرم به گشت و گذارم فرستاده و گمان میکند که باید برای مردم نی لبک بنوازم.اما من هنوز از این هنر چیزی نمیدانم.اول باید آن را بیاموزم
گفتن:به سیر دنیا میروم.پدرم به گشت و گذارم فرستاده و گمان میکند که باید برای مردم نی لبک بنوازم.اما من هنوز از این هنر چیزی نمیدانم.اول باید آن را بیاموزم
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Mar 13, 2011
Anna
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In this collection is a story called 'Faldum' that I LOVE LOVE LOVE. I have read it many times, and like to read it to friends. It just really strikes a chord with me. The visula descriptions are stunningly beautiful, and I love the this story makes me feel; lost and found and nostalgic for a world I never knew yet forever belong to.
Jul 26, 2011
Mazel
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Ici, les héros providentiels l'emportent sur les souverains maléfiques, les pauvres hères découvrent des contrées utopiques, les vagabonds transforment la boue en or : dans la pure tradition du genre, ces Contes merveilleux laissent au rêve et à l'imagination - dont Hermann Hesse lui-même dit qu' " ils ne sont rien d'autre que des formes de l'amour" - la place maîtresse.
Le premier conte du grand écrivain, publié dans ce recueil, fut écrit alors qu'il avait dix ans. Tout au More...
Le premier conte du grand écrivain, publié dans ce recueil, fut écrit alors qu'il avait dix ans. Tout au More...
Jun 03, 2011
Suzana
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I read this book in my late teens and the story, "Augustus", really had an impact on me. I never forgot the wish that young mother made for her son. It seemed such a safe wish to make - but it wasn't. I'm now 47 years old and still think about it sometimes. Funny how some things stick to you. I loved this book.
Nov 22, 2010
Patricia
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I thought Hesse's fairytales were amazing but to me they seemed a lot more like short stories. It can be really hard to get the message Hesse is sending but you just have to pay close attention and make sure you understand it all. A few of my favorites are The Forest Dweller, Agustus, and The Dwarf.
Mar 30, 2009
Min
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Hesse is one of those writers I never picked up. I must have missed him in literature class. Being a lover of fairy tales I was drawn to this book. After reading it I may have to go and pick up some of those classics I missed.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who either loves fairy tales or has never picked up a Hermann Hesse book.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who either loves fairy tales or has never picked up a Hermann Hesse book.
Dec 28, 2008
Sue
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This book gave me some insight in the character of Hesse that I had missed 30 years ago when i loved his books. The women in this book were all "wooden" characters, he simply could not relate to women as complete people at all. A disappointing read, but an eye opener.
Apr 21, 2010
trina
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simple and beautiful dark little stories. some don't read like fairy tales at all, but as musing, meandering essays on hesse-ian philosophy about beauty or justice or death or whatever. the stories dealing with society and war, etc., are just as full of feeling and hard-hitting as the stories about individuals and finding oneself/truth. very enjoyable, and i think probably more accessible than hesse's other works.
Jul 31, 2009
Loewyn
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I LOVE THIS BOOK. He is such a poetic and beautiful writer. This is a wonderful collection full of fantasy and fable. If you like Herman Hesse but his novels are too complex, this is perfect. I would read it to my kids if I planned on having any.
Nov 09, 2011
When I read fairy tales, it's because I want and expect to feel a sense of wonder, awe, transcendence. Maybe terror, disgust, and/or delight as well. This? So far, I've mostly felt an annoyed sort of meh. DNF, no rating.
Jul 06, 2009
Sven
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These are wonderful stories and fairy tales, it really takes you deep. I transcribed one of them (orig. Ein Mensch namens Ziegler) into a song, that's how good it was.
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Jul 14, 2008
Suzy
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I just wrote a review and goodreads blew a fuse and lost it (a first, so bravo to good reads!). Anyway, they're all good (well, all the ones but the last three--which may be wonderful, but I wouldn't know, because the book was due back at the library--argh, the perils of reading too many books at once!), but the bleakest one, The Dwarf, really lingers. The title character is treated as an outcast by the others, but he is universal in his need for love and freedom, and we identify with him. Hi
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Jan 02, 2009
Jeanette
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I picked this book up from the library....love Hess.....and it was full of such great short stories.....a great read....nice and light...especially after just finishing Faust.
Dec 24, 2008
Maurice
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Ill probably read these tales to my kids someday, great morals, with Herman's masterful knowledge of the little things, and the journey of the soul
Jul 06, 2009
Emma
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I love Hermann Hesse! Most of the fairy tales in the book are tragedies, but they have that mixture of happiness and sadness that make it really good. His description is excellent.
May 29, 2009
Nikki
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This is a great collection of unique tales. I will definitely go back and enjoy many of them again and again.
Jul 10, 2010
Michelle
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Especially like the story about the man who understands what the animals in the zoo are saying
Aug 07, 2011
Vikki
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It was ok. Some of the stories were very good like 'Iris' and others not so good like 'The City'. I was disappointed, thought they might be better.
