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Summary: perfect
Review: (my review refers to the story "the royal game ") this book is how books should be (in my humble opinion) : intelligent,captivating,deep,easy to read - a masterpiece.
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Summary: Humanist and analitic, this book is a marvel
Review: Each of the novellas composing this book would need an independant review to give truth to it. I'm surprised at the Editor's selection of novellas and i'm still wondering why they've been put together... The Master Game is a story about the power of the mind - and our adaptability in traumatic situations. And it is centered on a game... But I ain't say no more!
The Letter from an unknown woman tells the tragic destiny of an unknown adolescent love. A true romance hidden for more than ten years... Overall an excellent book, but if you don't know Stefan Zweig, that might be a difficult introduction to his work. Try Amok first!
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Summary: The myth and romance behind the game of the kings, in us.
Review: I agree with Richard, though I don't know him. I bought the book on the recommendation of a friend, a chess player. I do not play chess, but I devoured the entire book in 3 hours. It shows the enlightenment and benightenment (is that a word?) in all of us, how two people can meet at the same point by totally different ways. You will see it is the way that matters in the end, not who wins. A story of humanity, inhumanity, corruption, innocence. And a very enjoyable read.
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Summary: JILL SUTCLIFFE VS EDEN & CEDAR PAUL
Review: I love this book, & I carried it wherever I go. Stefan Zweig is the greatest writer I ever known. His stories are so intriguing it's hard to put it down. His writing skills are so lively that even though his books are translated, they are still extraordinary works. But I must point out that in the case of "letter from an unknown woman:, Jill Sutcliffe translated & brought Stefan's work to life so much better than E & C Paul. I have the 2 translations & I have to say Jill is a much better translater in Stefan's work. I love all the stories in this book, & I hope Jill will translate more of his work. His books should be the must read books in class.
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Summary: Not enough can be said
Review: I think the best advice I can give is to READ THIS BOOK. It is a wonderful collection of human feelings and emotions, and it makes you feel, understand and love the characters portrayed in each story. In particular, Letter from an Unknowned Woman is the best love story I have read. It is simple, short, dramatic, unexpected and so profound, I am still in awe at what I read. Zweig is a brilliant author, and even when translated his books maintain this magical aura that simply makes them shine. Don't pass up the opportunity, you won't be disappointed.
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Summary: One of the greatest writers ever
Review: Nobody has ever described feelings, the deepest human emotions, like Stefan Zweig did. I think he was the most gifted German language writer, a psychologist as well as a historian and it is a shame that there are not more translations of his work into English available. Forget everything you have ever read before and dive into the world of an obsessed mind in "the Royal game", the turmoil between moral and guilt in "Amok" and the most wonderful and sad story of an unfulfilled love in the "Letter from an unknown woman". This is as good as literature gets, even brilliant when translated from another language. To be able to read more of his work would be a reason for learning German!
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Summary: AMOK-- Violent passion and madness
Review: One of the best stories in this book is "Amok"( I read it in French, excellent translation, edition livre de poche.)
The outstanding part of "Amok" is the first encounter between the doctor and the cold English woman. There is a tension that keeps building up as you explore those two strong and proud characters.
Their confrontation has something very ambiguous, cold, voluptuous, hard, even cruel. You feel irresistibly drawn to them by the detailed description of every facial expression or gesture.
The climax is an indescribable feeling of violent scorn, a monstrous contempt that shakes you by its intensity, paralyzes you, shocks you like a lightning, and you fall as if being whipped, begging for more, dizzy, bewildered, frightened, mad.
Another tremendous moment is the passage with the madman, the Amok who keeps running without looking left nor right, and exterminating anybody on his path. Absolutely delirious and hilarious!
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Summary: Sweig deserves more fame in the US
Review: Sweig writes exceptional short stories that touch upon the essence of life. If you think your life could not change in a minute, read Sweig: life has more to offer than permanence, it is a sketch and you may not be the only sketcher.
Rating:
Summary: Sweig deserves more fame in the US
Review: Sweig writes exceptional short stories that touch upon the essence of life. If you think your life could not change in a minute, read Sweig: life has more to offer than permanence, it is a sketch and you may not be the only sketcher.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book that deserves to be re-printed
Review: The book is very effective because the whole story takes place in motion. The characters are on a trip from the old world to the new. The world's chess champion represents a conventional old world while the former captive represents the new, trying to break the chains of the old. This is why the closer they get to the new world, the more apparent the expertise of the former captive. And yet, he almost loses his mind - is the old Europe incompatible with the Americas? These contrasts are superbly higlighted via one of the most fascinating sports - chess. The book deserves a re-print.
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