Status Updates From الجبل السحري

I found the narrative very trying at times. I liked how the sanitarium was a microcosm for the outside world. Nobody, especially our MC, grew from the knowledge that was bandied about. When Clavdia makes a poignant observation on page 585(John Woods' translation)that was quite astute. His appreciation for nature and music spurred me on. It's too bad that the culture he gained amounted to nothing.