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:

Other Works Mentioned:
You Again by Debra Jo Immergut

[pk]

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...

[chuckfriebe]

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.

[kestrel]

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.

[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

[valentinsarmagal]

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

[Majnun]

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✌🏻

[abbiemcdonagh]

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

[pegthebookprizeaddict]

Very interesting! You are really getting a lot read this year. All well 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!📚📚📚📚📚

[laurencesmelser]

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.

[warmjets]

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?

[albertovonberg]

What about the translation? is it a good one?