44 pages • 1 hour read
Death in Venice
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Book Brief
80
Novella • Fiction
Venice • Early 1900s
1912
Adult
18+ years
1410L
Super Short Summary
In Death in Venice, renowned author Gustav von Aschenbach, struggling with creative work, decides to vacation in Venice, where he becomes infatuated with a young boy named Tadzio. This obsession drives Gustav to irrational behavior, leading him to follow Tadzio around the city while Venice succumbs to a cholera epidemic.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Contemplative
Dark
Reviews & Readership
77,278 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Thomas Mann's Death in Venice deftly balances psychological depth and lush prose, captivating readers with its portrayal of obsession and beauty. Praised for its evocative setting and rich symbolism, it faces criticism for its slow pacing and dense narrative. A compelling read, though potentially challenging for some.
Who Should Read Death in Venice?
A reader who enjoys complex psychological narratives, philosophical themes, and rich, descriptive prose will appreciate Thomas Mann's Death in Venice. Fans of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment and Camus' The Stranger will find similar existential exploration and moral ambiguity.
77,278 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Tadzio
Tadzio
A beautiful young Polish boy staying with his family at a Venice hotel. His physical appearance and demeanor capture Aschenbach's attention and inspire his obsession.
80
Novella • Fiction
Venice • Early 1900s
1912
Adult
18+ years
1410L
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