Published by Scribner Genres: Historical Fiction, LGBT, Literary Fiction, War
Format: ARC, eBook
Thomas Mann, acclaimed author of Death in Venice and many other books and novellas, is the focus of this book where fiction and nonfiction blend. This book begins with Thomas as a child growing up in a provincial German city. His father was conservative, and his mother was an alluring Brazilian woman. From an early age, he wanted to write. He was creative and artistic but that did not go over well with his father. He had to hide his writing and his sexuality. He eventually married Katia Pringshelm and they have six children. It is his children who referred to him as “The Magician”
Mann repressed his sexuality and crushes. One thing he did not repress was his writing ability and his success enabled him to move his family various times. He was a man who saw and experienced many things – political upheaval, world wars I & II, suicide, loss of loved ones, and success in his field. What a life he must have led. Hiding his homosexuality, having hidden crushes while being a husband and father in a world in constant upheaval.
There was a tremendous amount of research that went into the writing of this book. It is very evident, and this is the strength of this novel. What I would have liked more of Mann’s thoughts, feelings, etc. This would have made this book more interesting to me.
I was all over the place with reviewing this book. The writing is top notch, and the research is impressive, but parts fell flat for me. I enjoyed this but didn’t love it. I have never read a book by Thomas Mann – I know gasp perhaps if I had been a fan or even familiar with his work, I may have enjoyed this book more. I felt that I was being told about Mann (which I was) but I didn’t really feel as if his personality shined through. I guess one could say that I wanted a little more pizzazz. I would have loved seeing Mann’s inner thoughts and struggles. This is a long book and it felt long at times. Again, a little Pizzazz would have made this better for me.
Some are enjoying this more than I did so please read their reviews as well.
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.