75 pages • 2 hours read
Buddenbrooks
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Book Brief
731
Novel • Fiction
Lübeck, Germany • 19th Century
1901
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann charts the multi-generational story of the Buddenbrook family, a wealthy merchant family in 19th-century Lübeck, whose fortunes ebb as societal pressures and personal conflicts shape their lives, exploring themes like societal decline, family duty, and the clash between personal desires and inherited obligations. The narrative involves instances of mental health challenges, substance use, and family discord.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
32,826 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann has been praised for its rich character development, keen social insights, and immersive depiction of a family's decline over generations. Critics laud its intricate narrative style but note its lengthy descriptions and slow pace may deter some readers. Overall, it's celebrated as a literary classic with deep psychological and societal exploration.
Who Should Read Buddenbrooks?
Fans of Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann typically appreciate intricate family sagas and sociopolitical commentary set against a historical backdrop. If you enjoy classics like War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy or The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy, you'll likely find Mann's multi-generational tale of a German merchant family captivating.
32,826 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
731
Novel • Fiction
Lübeck, Germany • 19th Century
1901
Adult
18+ years
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