Amok - Stefan Zweig

[Kristel]

Amok, Stefan Zweig, February 2020 BOTM, moderator is Daisey.

[George P.]

I read the novella Amok a week or two ago. It's a bit long for reading in one day for me, I think I read it over three days while also reading from some other books. I enjoyed reading it but it wasn't a "five star" for me.
Zweig's writing style is fairly melodramatic but has a lot of great tension and clarity, and his ability to engage the reader was remarkably good. I often think about what other writers a book's style reminds me of, and in this case I was reminded of Poe, H. G. Wells and Verne. Zweig's style was somewhat more lively and "modern" than these predecessors, I think.
I had previously read Zweig's Chess Story, which was great. I also read his Letter From an Unknown Woman in the past week since I borrowed a copy of his collected stories, and am planning to read Compulsion (Der Zwang) from that volume also. These seem to be among his best-rated stories.
It's a pity that such a talented author committed suicide while still middle-aged.

[Diane]

George P. wrote: "I read the novella Amok a week or two ago. It's a bit long for reading in one day for me, I think I read it over three days while also reading from some other books. I enjoyed reading it but it was..."

My copy of Amok (kindle) is only 60 pages. I hope I got the right copy. I am glad you like Chess Story, I have not read that one yet. And I will definitely have to put Der Zwang on my list.

[Daisey]

I have been looking a bit for question ideas with very little luck, so we may just go with some fairly general ones for this book. Feel free to jump in with other commentary or questions. I read through the story quickly a week or so ago when I agree to moderate, but I hope to reread again a bit more carefully in the next few days. The kindle copy I read was only about 60 pages as well.

1. What books by Stefan Zweig have you read and what did you think of them?

2. What did you think of the writing style in this story?

3. Why do you think the author chose a storytelling method in which the character with the story tells it to someone else, and then that character is not even present for the final climactic scene but only hears about it later?

4. What are your thoughts on the obsession of the character and the psychological aspect of this story?

5. Do you think this story is a good choice for the 1001 list? Why or why not?

[Daisey]

George P. wrote: "I read the novella Amok a week or two ago. It's a bit long for reading in one day for me, I think I read it over three days while also reading from some other books. I enjoyed reading it but it was..."

I think I felt much the same about this story. I enjoyed it, but it was not amazing. I really enjoyed the writing style. I haven't read any other books by Zweig, but I have heard great things about Chess Story and would definitely like to read it.

[George P.]

"Why do you think the author chose a storytelling method in which the character with the story tells it to someone else, and then that character is not even present for the final climactic scene but only hears about it later?"
I liked this structure, it was more complex and intriguing than just a plain telling of the whole story by one character. He was a clever writer.

"What are your thoughts on the obsession of the character and the psychological aspect of this story?"
This doctor had a history of getting obsessed in relationships with women, as he told the passenger. This made it somewhat more believable that he would go nuts over this woman (who already had a husband AND a boyfriend- does that seem like someone who is available?). He had other neurotic traits also (such as depression), which I thought helped the plausibility of his story.

[George P.]

Diane wrote: "George P. wrote: "It's a bit long for reading in one day for me, I think I read it over three days while also reading from some other books. ..." My copy of Amok (kindle) is only 60 pages. I hope I got the right copy.

I know some people will read 200 pages from one book in a day but I can't do that- after about 20-30 pages I like to switch to another book for variety.

[[deleted user]]

1. This is my first book by Zweig although I intend to read the others that are on the list at some point. Chess Story in particular is calling to me.

2. I liked it but it didn't blow me away.

3. I think the confessional nature of the way the story is told adds credence to it. I liked the secret late night meetings and the compulsion to talk that the doctor suffered also the need to help and to hear the story that compelled the narrator to keep up with the secret meetings. I liked the fact he didn't see the climatic events as again this added a touch of much needed reality to the melodrama it was more than likely that he would have missed this action and that it would have been covered up by the authorities. It also allows for speculation and interpretation of what actually transpired.

4. I must confess I found the doctors actions unbelievable and to explain them as "running Amok" seemed like a cop out. I guess there are people who would behave like this but it just didn't ring true for me. I am guessing that the way the author felt about life is reflected in the character of the doctor and his belief that suicide will free him. Other than that I really don't know enough about psychology to say if this was a good reflection or not.

5. I am not sure about this I wasn't blown away by the story and for me I was reminded of Heart of Darkness which kind of covers the same descent into a kind of madness when away from European soil and company.

[George P.]

"5. Do you think this story is a good choice for the 1001 list? Why or why not?"

I think it's deserving, although I thought Zweig's Chess Story (on the list) even better. I liked the somewhat complex structure in a short piece and the exploration of neuroticism advancing to madness.

[Gail]

1. What books by Stefan Zweig have you read and what did you think of them?

I have read no other Stefan Zweig books and am happy to have been introduced to him by 1001. I look forward to Chess Story.

2. What did you think of the writing style in this story?

I appreciated the concise clear writing and the framework that was set up so the telling of a melodramatic tale was surrounded by a calm, clear retelling by the original listener. However, I did find the original telling by the feverish and drunk man on the deck, to be touch over the top. I am sympathetic to the concept of a person losing everything in a moment of fever brought on by the conflict between personal desires and societal norms but nevertheless, it was difficult for me to believe this person was sane until this event happened or that the post without interactions with his own kind could cause this mental fever. I do love the Malay word "amok" (amuck) and I do believe people can fall into a homicidal rage.

3. Why do you think the author chose a storytelling method in which the character with the story tells it to someone else, and then that character is not even present for the final climactic scene but only hears about it later?

I found this to be an effective way to allow for the secondary narrator/listener's interpretation and my interpretation. It removed the final events from the horrific over to one more of curious mystery. Do we think the secondary narrator was telling a wonderful tale or was he recounting the truth as told to him? Were the final events the correct interpretation or did our romantic secondary narrator connect dots in way that did not reflect reality.

4. What are your thoughts on the obsession of the character and the psychological aspect of this story?

I thought the woman's side of the story, although, of course, we never really get to hear her side of the story, was no doubt true to the times and conditions of the Dutch colonies. I found the doctor's side of the story to be too much of a frenzy. I think the exact same sequence of events could have taken place without the frenzy but we would have lost a driving force in the story so I guess I am saying that the balance wasn't quite right for me. I do believe people can become obsessed. I like the fact that we, the readers, never actually know if our secondary narrator overdid the retelling in order to amp up the melodrama and make it an engaging story to tell.

5. Do you think this story is a good choice for the 1001 list? Why or why not?

It is very short but there are other short books on the list. I think the concise nature of the writing was unique and worthy.

[Kelly_Hunsaker_reads]

I found this book a bit dull. I didn't connect with the characters at all. I will try to answer the questions soon.

[Pip]

1. I have not read Stefan Zweig before.
2. I thought the style was overwrought, but simultaneously quite an easy read.
3. The denouement was hinted at in the first few lines, so the storyteller recounting the story HE had been told, distances the melodrama from the telling of it and dissipates the hysterical tone.
4. The story is about a normally sane person, a doctor no less, becoming unnaturally obsessed with a woman he has just met and behaving in a completely uncharacteristic and insane manner. We have many contemporary examples of people running amok, such as the Thai soldier this week, and too many others, especially in the U.S.A.
5. Zweig was apparently enormously popular in the 20's and 30's, when this book was published. Nevertheless I am intrigued by why this rather slight story was chosen for 1001 books.

[Tatjana]

If I could write on the Amok the moment I finished it, which was ten days ago, I would have said I liked it a lot. But now, after some time I find it difficult to connect to the story and its main characters.
This is the first book by Zweig for me. I had a book with other story, called Fantastic night, which I find to be not as good as Amok.
I did like this frenzy, insane building up of events in the story. They reminded me to some European writers of the same time, such is Canetti or Kafka, even though their stories and characters are better.
I agree with Gail that the writing style is too melodramatic.
Although I gave it 4 stars initially, I will adjust to 3 stars.

[Diane]

1. What books by Stefan Zweig have you read and what did you think of them?

This is my first Zweig and I liked it.

2. What did you think of the writing style in this story?

I liked the writing style and it was not "off putting" to me as some have said.

3. Why do you think the author chose a storytelling method in which the character with the story tells it to someone else, and then that character is not even present for the final climactic scene but only hears about it later?

Diane's review some what answers this question in her review, that the author has pared down the story to just the essentials. I think this is a unique writing style.

4. What are your thoughts on the obsession of the character and the psychological aspect of this story?

I enjoyed the psychological aspect of the story, although I did not totally believe the obsession of the doctor for the woman given the chance encounter.

5. Do you think this story is a good choice for the 1001 list? Why or why not?

Since I haven't read any of his other books it is hard for me to answer this one but I do believe this 'pared down' writing style is why it made the list.

[Kristel]

1. This was my first book by the author.
2. I enjoyed the writing style. I found it easy to read. I didn't have to work at it. The writing was descriptive but also left things in the dark which fit the setting. I was a psychological study.
3 - 4. I am not sure what author's purpose was but what I appreciated was the description of Amok. I work in psychiatry and have heard this term before and it also was a death bed confession of sorts. A psychological study. Another book that also brings up the topic of right to choose to die, as well as; what is duty, responsibility.
I felt that the doctor really had messed up but I also think that the woman was responsible for her own decisions and consequences. I think the doctors state (being Amok) may have contributed to his poor decision making and that he took on "too much" responsibility.
5. I am not sure whether this is a good choice for 1001, but I enjoyed it, so glad it was there and appreciated that it was a quick read.

[Jessica]

I finished this last week and then promptly went on vacation so will catch up now with the questions.

1. What books by Stefan Zweig have you read and what did you think of them?

This is the first book that I've read by Zweig. I enjoyed it and will look for more of his stuff.

2. What did you think of the writing style in this story? It kept me engaged. It didn't feel like a chore to read it (vs. the other BOTM Germinal which I had to push myself through).

3. Why do you think the author chose a storytelling method in which the character with the story tells it to someone else, and then that character is not even present for the final climactic scene but only hears about it later? I think in part it is to make us wonder how much of what the author is hearing is true. We are hearing a story second hand, if you will. Our narrator is perceived as clear headed but then they are hearing this wild story from a mysterious man drinking in the shadows in the middle of the night.

4. What are your thoughts on the obsession of the character and the psychological aspect of this story? I didn't fully "get" the obsession, but I know that people can get obsessed by others. I just kept thinking "what is this guy doing?!?" He clearly is not 100% in his right mind, whether from his isolation or some pre-existing issues (perhaps exacerbated by his recent isolation).

5. Do you think this story is a good choice for the 1001 list? Why or why not? I thought that it was a good choice. It was a nice example of a novella of a specific time period.

[Hilde]

1. What books by Stefan Zweig have you read and what did you think of them?

This was my first one, but will definitely read more. Heard so many great things about Chess Story, so I think that will be my next one.

2. What did you think of the writing style in this story?
Very clever, pulled me right in.

3. Why do you think the author chose a storytelling method in which the character with the story tells it to someone else, and then that character is not even present for the final climactic scene but only hears about it later?

I echo what everyone else have said, quite unique and clever storytelling.

4. What are your thoughts on the obsession of the character and the psychological aspect of this story?

I also didn't fully get the obsession as Jessica noted above, as I found it quite extreme. But important for the psychological aspect of the story.

5. Do you think this story is a good choice for the 1001 list? Why or why not? I

Yes, I do as the storytelling was very unique.

[Paula]

1. What books by Stefan Zweig have you read and what did you think of them?
I have a collection of several of his story and read Chess story first. I haven't really had time to digest the stories, and I still have three stories left to read, but so far I enjoy this collection.

2. What did you think of the writing style in this story?
The story caught my interest and kept it. I didn't find it as compelling as Chess Story, mostly because I kept comparing it with Doktor Glas, a different story about a doctor who becomes obsessed with a woman, that I found more interesting.

3. Why do you think the author chose a storytelling method in which the character with the story tells it to someone else, and then that character is not even present for the final climactic scene but only hears about it later?
This is more realistic and believable

4. What are your thoughts on the obsession of the character and the psychological aspect of this story?
These things happen, especially when a person is isolated. The character is unlikable, both racist and misogynistic, and entitled. I don't feel as sorry for him as I would have if he had been more likable.

5. Do you think this story is a good choice for the 1001 list? Why or why not?
I wouldn't have included it. I assume it is important for historical reasons, but just including Chess Story would have been enough.

[Diane]

1. What books by Stefan Zweig have you read and what did you think of them?
I have read three of his books and loved them all

2. What did you think of the writing style in this story?
I find Zweig's writing style very engaging.

3. Why do you think the author chose a storytelling method in which the character with the story tells it to someone else, and then that character is not even present for the final climactic scene but only hears about it later?
As others have said

4. What are your thoughts on the obsession of the character and the psychological aspect of this story?
This is a case of extreme obsession in which the character so no other alternative but to sacrifice everything, including his life. His obsession ran amok and became out of control.

5. Do you think this story is a good choice for the 1001 list? Why or why not?
I think it is a good choice.

[Daisey]

George P. wrote: ""5. Do you think this story is a good choice for the 1001 list? Why or why not?"

I think it's deserving, although I thought Zweig's Chess Story (on the list) even better. I liked the somewhat comp..."

I've read several reviews stating that the reader liked Chess Story better. I look forward to reading it since I did like this one well enough.

[Daisey]

I agree with a lot of the comments I've already seen. I read this book early, then posted the questions, and read it again in the middle of the month. I enjoyed it, but I was not overly impressed with the story, and I would have to say I'm not sure why it is included on the list. The obsession seemed incredibly dramatic to me, but it made for a story that kept me wanting to know what else was going to happen. I did especially enjoy some of the figurative language in the story. I also appreciated that it was a fairly short and readable story which definitely gave me a feel for a specific time and place.

[Patrick]

1. What books by Stefan Zweig have you read and what did you think of them?
Like many here, this was my first. I quite enjoyed this one.

2. What did you think of the writing style in this story?
The manner in which the main protagonist delivers his version of events and the emotions attached to them really well serve to engage the reader and maintain some suspense while we progressively piece the whole thing together.

3. Why do you think the author chose a storytelling method in which the character with the story tells it to someone else, and then that character is not even present for the final climactic scene but only hears about it later?
It creates some distance between the storyteller (the mad doctor) and the reader, which helps to make the story more 'credible', even in its ambiguous facts, like the ending. The reader associates with the narrator, becomes an accomplice in receiving the confession from the mad doctor.

4. What are your thoughts on the obsession of the character and the psychological aspect of this story?
The obsession looks like it has been induced by several factors, including isolation, prolonged life in the tropics, but also his previous antecedents. He ended up in the Dutch East Indies after another shady story with a 'bold, domineering' woman. So, in a way, he was predisposed for the events following the first visit of the Englishwoman in his remote station.

5. Do you think this story is a good choice for the 1001 list? Why or why not?
I would say definitely yes. It's a more modern example of the novella genre, with a main protagonist who is reminiscent of several 'deranged' characters haunting works from Russian writers of the 19th century, whether Pushkin's short stories or Dostoievski's epics or Chekhov's plays.