The Magician - Book Review

 

 

The Magician

Colm Toibin

3 stars
 

 

 

Oh my goodness this book went on and on. Thomas Mann as described here was an elusive man except in his interpretation of his children, the wild Erika and the disturbed Klaus. His homosexuality was re-discovered in his daily encounters and his wife, Katia was patient and likeable. This was my first go at anything other than a high school knowledge of Mann, and honestly, it's all I needed.

The Manns were a dysfunctional family that also dealt with the world wars, the rise of Hitler thinking, and the choice of suicide as an option, this was a dark book. Not an easy time in history but this book is meant for those who perhaps have further interest of Mann and/or those times and not those looking for a lighter read.

If this family was alive now, there would definitely be a reality show on them. Outlandish, shocking, immoral (to some), and lonely.

I had so enjoyed Toibin's earlier works and a recent interview that I'd give this one a try. My mistake was not to read the front cover a little closer.

Toibin's works of fiction: Brooklyn and Nora Webster were much more uplifting and beautifully written and to my taste.

I'm glad I got this one at the public library. For those who know the works of Thomas Mann, the reviews of The Magician were more generous with stars.

Cheers,



 

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