33 pages • 1 hour read
The Magic Mountain
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Book Brief
720
Novel • Fiction
Swiss Alps • 1910s
1924
Adult
18+ years
1350L
Super Short Summary
In The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann, Hans Castorp, a young German engineer, visits his cousin at a Swiss sanatorium for tuberculosis patients. During what was meant to be a three-week stay, Hans becomes immersed in the sanatorium's atmosphere and its eclectic mix of patients and philosophies. Over seven years, he engages in deep philosophical discussions and personal explorations before returning to the flatlands, joining World War I. The novel contains themes of illness and death.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
52,150 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Thomas Mann's The Magic Mountain is lauded for its philosophical depth and exploration of time, illness, and human existence. Readers appreciate its richly developed characters and intellectual rigor. However, its dense prose and slow pacing can be challenging. Ultimately, it's considered a rewarding read for those who enjoy deep, contemplative literature.
Who Should Read The Magic Mountain ?
A reader who enjoys The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann is likely one who appreciates deep philosophical exploration, complex characters, and nuanced social critique. Comparable to fans of Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov and Proust's In Search of Lost Time, this reader values literary masterpieces that challenge and inspire reflection.
52,150 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
720
Novel • Fiction
Swiss Alps • 1910s
1924
Adult
18+ years
1350L
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