Nutcracker
Nutcracker
Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1984
Book Brief
Beta102
Short Story • Fiction
•
Fairy Tale & Folklore•
FantasyGermany • 19th Century
1984
Adult
7-12 years
Super Short Summary
In E.T.A. Hoffmann's "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," a young person named Marie receives a nutcracker doll for Christmas. As Marie becomes enchanted by the nutcracker's story, a fantastical battle unfolds between the nutcracker, who is revealed to be under a magical spell, and the evil Mouse King, leading to an enchanting adventure in a magical land.
Fantastical
Mysterious
Adventurous
Bittersweet
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
26,450 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
E.T.A. Hoffmann's Nutcracker is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and rich detail, captivating both children and adults. Reviewers appreciate its ability to evoke wonder and explore themes of dreams and reality. However, some find its prose dated and complex, potentially challenging for modern readers. Overall, it remains a beloved classic.
Who Should Read Nutcracker?
A reader who enjoys The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann likely appreciates classic fairy tales with whimsical, fantastical elements and rich, imaginative storytelling. Comparable to those who love Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie or Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, they revel in magical, dream-like narratives.
26,450 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
102
Short Story • Fiction
•
Fairy Tale & Folklore•
FantasyGermany • 19th Century
1984
Adult
7-12 years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!