Narcissus and Goldmund by Hermann Hesse - Book Chat

Narcissus and Goldmund by Hermann Hesse was originally published in 1930. I read a 1968 translation by Ursule Molinaro. This book was originally published in English as Death and the Lover.
Other Hesse Works Chatted:
The Bead Game • Magister Ludi (The Bea...
Steppenwolf • Steppenwolf by Hermann...
Demian • Demian by Hermann Hess...
Siddhartha • Siddhartha by Hermann ...
Rosshalde • Rosshalde by Hermann H...
Other Works Mentioned:
You Again by Debra Jo Immergut
Books featured on my channel are available on my Book Shop affiliate page. Independent Bookstores are neighborhood cultural assets and Bookshop is a great way to support them! bookshop.org/s...

[@1758pk]

One of my favorite books! I first read it in my twenties and it has always stayed with me. Now in my fifties it is time for a re-read. Ironically once I was Goldmund and now I am Narcissus...

[@vazzaroth]

I read this now at 31after my wife found it and recommended it. I feel like I should have been at least aware of this book as part of my primary education. It's the single most profound thing I've ever experienced, haha

[@chuckfriebe843]

The progressive band Kansas wrote a song base on this book. The name of the song is entitled Journey From Mariabronn. It's a masterpiece. Listen to it.

[@EarnestlyEston]

Oh wow! I had no idea. Just had a listen and it’s amazing. Thanks so much for sharing!!

[@chuckfriebe843]

@@EarnestlyEston you are most welcome. I enjoy your channel.

[@kestrel09]

This book has such a rich texture throughout filled with symbolism. From the constancy of the old chestnut tree outside the monastery which originated from elsewhere, yet thrives and bears a great deal of fruit. Also, Goldmund’s deep and sensory approach to life. The story embodies Nietzsche’s duality of Apollo and Dionysus.

[@EarnestlyEston]

Thank you so much for providing this context!

[@Majnun74]

Hesse and Tom Robbins are my favorite authors! I’ve read Demian, Siddhartha, Knulp and Glass Bead Game and loved them. About to start reading this book today✌🏻

[@EarnestlyEston]

I haven't read Knulp, maybe that will be the next one that I read :)

[@Majnun74]

@@EarnestlyEston The peripatetic nature of a vagabond heart❤️

[@valentinsarmagal]

Great review, I read this book years ago and this was a great refresher!

[@richardwestwood8212]

It's high time for a reread.

[@abbiemcdonagh8084]

Thank you for your thoughts and summary! I really enjoyed the quotes you selected!

[@EarnestlyEston]

Thanks so much!

[@warmjets45]

Excellent chat. Just finished this book and enjoyed it a lot. I've been devouring Hesse's work the past couple months and as a young adult, his novels have resonated with me more than anything else I've ever read. I still have a few of his books left to read, but are there other authors you would recommend who are similar to Hesse?

[@joelrenouf7917]

Check out les Misarable, it’s a chunky book but rewarding if you stick with it, there are a lot of similarities with Hesses writing too. Also Heart is a Lonely hunter by Carson Mcullers was an amazing read also very similar emotionally to Hesse

[@pegthebookprizeaddict579]

Very interesting! You are really getting a lot read this year. All well here.....lots of reading, walking and knitting 🧶. Hope to get down to DC again some day but quite comfy here in the retirement cottage and don’t want t o take any chances at our age🤷‍♀️. Keep on reading and chatting!📚📚📚📚📚

[@EarnestlyEston]

So good to hear from you! All is well here and hope to see you in DC again when things return to more or less normal. I noticed on your channel that you've been reading the Booker list. I need to catch up on your videos.

[@laurencesmelser3083]

Just before reading the novel in English, I got caught up in the previews for the film version (although I don't know German) which could not be shown in theaters last year due to the Corona virus shut down. That colored how I visualized the characters and the story.

[@EarnestlyEston]

How cool that there's a film! I would really like to see it... I'll have to look for it. Thanks!

[@ЕленаКондюрина]

Excellent!!!!!!

[@RovingReader]

Sounds so good!

[@albertovonberg2654]

What about the translation? is it a good one?

[@bigbrother9531]

Why have a book chat if you won't tell what happens. Analyzer never know, can only deduce.