Michael Kohlhaas
Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1810
94
Novella • Fiction
Germany • 16th century
1810
Adult
18+ years
In the novella Michael Kohlhaas by Heinrich von Kleist, a wronged horse dealer named Michael Kohlhaas seeks justice after his horses are taken and mistreated by an unscrupulous nobleman. Denied legal recourse and spurred by the death of his wife, Kohlhaas initiates a violent rebellion against the injustice, ultimately leading to his capture and complex legal and moral struggles.
Challenging
Mysterious
Dark
Emotional
Suspenseful
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Heinrich von Kleist's Michael Kohlhaas is celebrated for its gripping narrative and moral complexity, exploring themes of justice and retribution. The prose is dense and challenging, which some readers find invigorating, while others view it as a barrier. The novella’s historical setting and intense emotional depth are widely appreciated, though its bleakness may not appeal to everyone.
Readers who appreciate intense moral dilemmas, revenge narratives, and complex character studies will enjoy Heinrich von Kleist's Michael Kohlhaas. Fans of Moby-Dick by Herman Melville or Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, with their deep philosophical inquiries, will find this novella deeply engaging.
5,741 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
94
Novella • Fiction
Germany • 16th century
1810
Adult
18+ years
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