Rating: 
Summary: So Simple, but So Real...
Review: It is one of Hesse's most human stories, where his simple and accessible style of writing describes how Kuhn's physical misfortune changed his life dramatically, how his life went through so many stages from being desperate up to the point where he was content with what he had, and worked so hard to make it work. Kuhn's love and admiration Gertrude is everything he always wanted, Gertrude's character has been described beautifully, although I felt it should have been introduced at an earlier stage in the book. She did change Kuhn life, he saw hope and connection in her, she inspired him, and and he found a better reason to compose music so he can hear her sinning. Kuhn's life took a major turn when Mouth was introduced to Gertrude, and from then on things were never the same. The kind of story that is applicable all the time, and makes you think again of what priorities are all about?
Rating:
Summary: Worth reading.
Review: Simply a very nice book. The pace is spot on, the story is completley believable and it is a very pleasant read.
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Summary: Hermann Hesse is truly great.
Review: This book is absolutely incredible. The book is beautifully written and has convincing, passionate characters.
Rating:
Summary: one of the best
Review: this book is amazing that is all i have to say
Rating:
Summary: Elegant and Beautiful
Review: This elegant and beautiful story is one of Hermann Hesse's very early novellas and is told in a simple, first-person narrator style. It is the story of a man possessed by two passions: music and love. In the uncomplicated and lovely language that marks all of his works, Hesse describes with wonderful accuracy the heights and depths of romantic love and the bonds of true friendship. He falls a little short, in this book, at giving us a truly emotional look at the protagonist's passion for his music. It is in this area that the character of Kuhn, as well as that of Muoth, rings just a little false. The pivotal character of Gertrude is beautifully drawn, but she is introduced far too late in the story for the reader to develop any sort of emotional bond with either her or her dilemma, a mistake Hesse did not repeat in his later works. Readers who are familiar with the works of Hesse will recognize the early development of his themes of isolation and uniqueness in Gertrude in the character of Kuhn. Like all of Hesse's works, this book is understated and restrained, yet full of emotion. The prose often feels as though there are undercurrents just about to break through the surface. Hesse, though, writes with his usual restraint and, although the book is one of obsession and tragedy, the author completely resists the temptation to let the story desolve into melodrama. Gertrude is not Hesse's very best work, but it is certainly a lovely one and one that anyone interested in Hermann Hesse cannot afford to miss.
Rating:
Summary: Hermann Hesse as we like him
Review: This is a Hesse work filled with his great humanity and searching philosophy, a thought provoking book of simple truth and true simplicity. Don`t miss it!
Rating:
Summary: Touchy story
Review: This is one of Hesse's early works, something written with a down to earth human touch rather than the eutopian philosophies that one can see in "siddhartha" and "demian". The power of love and attachment are beautifully depicted. The self-doubt and confusion of a heart-broken man are very obviously seen. Anyone who has loved and failed will be able to empathize with the hero.
I have read several books on love and related topics, but, I still dont know why one should be so blindly attached to somebody at the cost of happiness when there are others to love you. I see this same dilemma poetically depicted in "gertrude". Only Hesse can do it. But, why 4 stars, one can see self-pity and self-doubt reeking in these pages. This is not i want to see from Hesse. But, i guess, it is very human and natural.
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