Title: The Fairy Tales of Hermann Hesse
Author: Hermann Hesse
First published January 1, 1919
266 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780553377767 (ISBN10: 0553377760)
Rating: 3.99
Overview
He is a shifter, and he will do anything to protect her. As the alpha of his pack, Alec Black never thought he would find his mate in a human, but when he meets the beautiful and headstrong Jenna Hamilton, he knows she is the one for him.
Jenna, however, has a secret that has kept her from getting close to anyone, especially a shifter. But when a dangerous threat arises, she has no choice but to turn to Alec for protection.
As they work together to uncover the truth, Alec and Jenna find themselves drawn to each other in ways they never thought possible. But will their passion be enough to overcome the obstacles in their path, or will they be torn apart by the forces that seek to keep them apart?
About the Author
Hermann Hesse, a Swiss writer born in Germany, wrote several works that focused on an individual’s struggle to find meaning and wholeness in life. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1946.
One of his well-known works, The Glass Bead Game, explores an individual’s search for spirituality outside of society. Hesse was a popular and influential author in the German-speaking world during his time, but worldwide fame came later.
His first novel was received enthusiastically by young Germans who desired a different and more “natural” way of life during a time of great economic and technological progress in the country.
In honor of Hesse’s contributions, many schools throughout Germany bear his name. Additionally, the Calwer Hermann-Hesse-Preis is awarded biennially to a German-language literary journal or to the translator of Hesse’s work to a foreign language.
The city of Karlsruhe, Germany, also has a Hermann Hesse prize associated with it.
Editoral Review
The Fairy Tales of Hermann Hesse is a collection of short stories written by celebrated German author Hermann Hesse, first published in 1919. Known for his philosophical and lyrical style, Hesse’s fairy tales take readers on a journey that explores the human condition through symbolic fables.
Set against the backdrop of post-World War I Germany, Hesse’s tales delve into themes of self-discovery, magic, and the supernatural, often taking on surreal and dreamlike qualities. The stories are infused with imagery and allegory, which provide rich depth to the narrative and emphasize the universal truths that underpin each tale.
The fairy tales are divided into three distinct sections: “Stories of the Beginning of the World,” “Stories of the Prodigal Son,” and “Stories of Death and Transfiguration.” Each section explores a different facet of human experience, and offers insights into the human condition that are both profound and thought-provoking. One of the standout stories in the collection is “The Stork,” which tells the story of a young boy who becomes lost in a magical forest and discovers the true meaning of friendship.
The tale is rendered with stunning precision and attention to detail, and offers a poignant commentary on the human need for connection. Another notable story is “The Dreaming Machine,” which explores the nature of creativity and imagination.
The tale takes readers on a journey through a strange and surreal landscape, offering glimpses of the creative process and the power of the human mind. Overall, Hermann Hesse’s The Fairy Tales of Hermann Hesse is a beautifully crafted collection that will appeal to readers who appreciate allegory, symbolism, and philosophical musings.
The stories are rich in detail and imagination, and offer insights into the human condition that are both moving and thought-provoking. However, the collection may not be for everyone.
Those who prefer action-packed adventures or straightforward narratives may struggle with the abstract and introspective nature of the tales. Additionally, some readers may find the tales to be overly symbolic, and may struggle to connect with the characters on a personal level.
Despite these limitations, The Fairy Tales of Hermann Hesse is a must-read for those who appreciate literary fiction and the power of imagination. The collection offers a stunning exploration of the human psyche, and invites readers to engage with the complexities of the human experience in a unique and unforgettable way.
Overall, I would rate this book as a 4 out of 5 stars. It is a deeply moving and thought-provoking collection, but its abstract nature and heavy reliance on symbolism may not be for everyone.
However, for those who appreciate the power of allegory and philosophical musings, The Fairy Tales of Hermann Hesse is a true gem.
