Death in Venice

by Thomas Mann
Death in Venice cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 11552
  • Added: 2026-03-10
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9780486110646
  • Publisher: Courier Corporation
  • Published: 2012-02-29
  • Reviews: 3

Thomas Mann's 'Death in Venice' is a profound exploration of beauty, desire, and the human condition. The novella follows Gustav von Aschenbach, a renowned German writer, as he becomes increasingly infatuated with a Polish boy named Tadzio during a holiday in Venice. The story delves into themes of artistic creation, the struggle between duty and desire, and the destructive power of obsession. /n/n The novella is not just a tale of tragic passion but also a reflection on the nature of art and the artist. Mann's intricate prose and psychological depth make this a timeless piece of literature. The new translation includes extensive commentary, providing valuable insights into the text and its historical context.

Reviews
Readability · 2024-04-27
poignant 4.50

The story centres on a writer seeking solace in Venice's beauty, which helps to soothe his unsettled nature. The novella is a poignant exploration of art, beauty, and the human condition.

This reviewer focused on the central character, a writer who finds solace in Venice's beauty to calm his unsettled nature. They appreciated the novella's exploration of art, beauty, and the human condition, noting its poignant and thought-provoking nature. The reviewer also highlighted the significance of the setting, Venice, in enhancing the themes of the story. They concluded that the novella is a profound and moving work that leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    The story centres on a writer who decides to visit Venice for its beauty that helps to soothe his unsettled nature.

    The novella is a poignant exploration of art, beauty, and the human condition.

    Venice serves as a character in its own right, enhancing the themes of the story.

Guilt and Industry · Harry Readhead · 2023-05-21
challenging 4.25

The novella is a critical exploration of an older man's ideal of transcendent beauty finding expression in a young boy. It is a daring and thought-provoking work that challenges conventional norms.

Harry Readhead provided a critical review of the novella, focusing on the older man's ideal of transcendent beauty finding expression in a young boy. They appreciated the novella's daring and thought-provoking nature, noting its challenge to conventional norms. The reviewer also highlighted the significance of the themes of art, beauty, and decay in the story. They concluded that the novella is a profound and challenging work that leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    An older man's ideal of transcendent beauty finds expression in a young boy.

    The novella is a daring and thought-provoking work that challenges conventional norms.

    The themes of art, beauty, and decay are explored in a profound and challenging manner.

Novel Insights · 2010-01-15
profound 4.00

The second half of the story is more compelling than the first, but the initial build-up is crucial to understanding the journey. The novella is a profound exploration of beauty, art, and the human condition.

This reviewer found the second half of the story more engaging than the first, but they acknowledged the importance of the initial setup. They appreciated the depth of the novella, highlighting its exploration of beauty, art, and the human condition. The reviewer also noted the significance of the setting, Venice, in enhancing the themes of the story. They concluded that the novella is a profound and thought-provoking work that leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    The second half of the story is more compelling than the first, but the initial build-up is important to understand the journey.

    The novella is a profound exploration of beauty, art, and the human condition.

    Venice serves as a character in its own right, enhancing the themes of the story.

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