Steppenwolf

The book begins as a pretty hard read. The first half of the book is composed mostly of internal monologues of the main character (Harry Haller), going on about his views of the world, his philosophy, his depression, and his belief of having a "split soul" between a man and a wolf. This is definitely a type of language that is harder to read and understand. However, the story starts to develop more in the second half of the book, with more events and dialog between characters instead of internal monologue. From the moment Harry meets Hermine onward, the book becomes much easier to read.

Disclaimer: If you are struggling with depression, I would skip this one.

That being said, as a long time Hesse adorer, I found this particular book difficult to get into. I found myself, many times, wanting to put it down in favor of something else. But I continued by sheer will alone and found the ending to be among the best I have ever read. From the masked ball to the magic theater, what a fevered dream of imposing dialogue and candid internal dialogue.

Credo che il titolo della recensione sia il riassunto perfetto di questo romanzo che racconta dell'eterno scontro tra individuo e società, individuo e inconscio, individuo e natura egoica... Harry, il protagonista, si ritrova a fare i conti con se stesso e ciò che è diventato nel corso della sua vita. Scritto negli anni 30, ma si adatta perfettamente al tempo moderno. Non facile ma bellissimo. Un classico che andrebbe rivisitato, riletto e rivalutato.