Poems, 1913 1956

by Bertolt Brecht
Poems, 1913 1956 cover
Good Books rating 4.12
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  • ID: 4119
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
irishtimes.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
profound 4.00

The collection offers a comprehensive look at Brecht's poetic works, showcasing his political and artistic evolution. While some poems may be challenging, they are deeply rewarding for those willing to engage with his unique style.

This collection is a treasure trove for anyone interested in Brecht's poetic journey. It spans his career, from early works to his later, more politically charged pieces. The poems are not always easy to digest, but they offer profound insights into Brecht's thoughts and the times he lived in. The translations are well-done, capturing the essence of Brecht's original German. For those who appreciate poetry that challenges and provokes, this collection is a must-read. It's a bit dense at times, but the depth of thought and the historical context make it a valuable addition to any poetry lover's library.

Quick quotes

    Brecht's poems are a mirror to his times

    They are not for the faint-hearted

    The translations are faithful to the original spirit of the poems

abebooks.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
nostalgic 4.50

The reviewer initially felt revisiting 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' was unnecessary, but upon re-reading, they found a deeper appreciation for the character of Edmund, who embodies the struggles of alienation and exclusion. The book's imaginative world and poetic writing left a lasting impact on the reviewer, who cherishes the memories it evokes.

The reviewer initially approached 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' with the belief that there was little new to say about such a beloved and iconic book. However, upon re-reading, they discovered a newfound appreciation for the character of Edmund. Initially seen as a selfish and scheming child, Edmund's actions and motivations become more nuanced and relatable upon closer inspection. His alienation and exclusion from his siblings and peers make him the most empathetic character in the story. The reviewer also admires C.S. Lewis' imaginative world-building and poetic writing, which have left a lasting impact on them. The book's ability to evoke a sense of wonder and escapism is something the reviewer still cherishes, making it a timeless classic.

Quick quotes

    They are being repressed by the regime of the tyrannical White Witch; a merciless self-appointed monarch all too aware of the ancient prophecy that, when four human children arrive in the land to claim their rightful seats of power, her days are of dictatorial rule are numbered.

    But, on re-reading the book as an adult, it is Edmund who provides the story with its real heart and soul.

    What I do find intoxicating is Lewis’ unfettered imagination when it comes to constructing — and populating — the land of Narnia.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
intriguing 3.50

The reviewer has read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe many times and has strong opinions about it, focusing on their personal reactions as someone who was raised a white evangelical Christian but is no longer part of that faith. They argue that the book should be read in original publication order and discuss the role of allegory in the story, seeing it more as a speculation on how Christian salvation would play out in a fantasy world rather than a simple allegory for children.

The reviewer has read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe more times than any other book and has strong opinions about it. They focus on their personal reactions as someone who was raised a white evangelical Christian but is no longer part of that faith. The book played a significant role in their religious upbringing, and they discuss the role of allegory in the story. They argue that the book should be read in original publication order and that the common understanding of it as a Christian allegory for children is somewhat misleading. Instead, they see it as a speculation on how Christian salvation would play out in a fantasy world with talking animals. The reviewer also touches on the thinness of the plot and the lack of agency the children have in the story, as well as the disturbing portrayal of Edmund's reaction to Aslan.

Quick quotes

    The common understanding of TLtWatW is that it's a Christian allegory for children, often provoking irritated reactions from readers who enjoyed the story on its own terms and later discovered all of the religion beneath it.

    I think Narnia more an answer to 'how would Christ appear in this fantasy world?' than to 'how do I get children interested in the themes of Christianity?', although certainly both are in play.

    The second thing that surprised me is how little of what happens is driven by the kids. The second half of TLtWatW is about the fight between Aslan and the White Witch, but this fight was not set off by the children and their decisions don't shape it in any significant way.

archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-21
great 4.50

The reviewer found the book to be one of the best they've read to their son, praising its tight writing, good description, and action. They noted some British slang and slight sexism but felt the book only needed a little slack due to its age. They also emphasized that this is the first book in the Narnia Chronicles.

The reviewer has read a lot of books to their son and found this one to be among the best. They appreciated the good, tight writing, good description, and action, noting that there's not a lot of dead space or trashy empty dialogue. The British slang was a minor stumbling block, but the reviewer felt it wasn't too bad. They also noted a few slight pieces of sexism that they ignored or re-worded on the fly, but overall, they felt the book only needed a little slack due to its age. The reviewer also emphasized that this is the first book in the Narnia Chronicles and encouraged readers to start the series here.

Quick quotes

    This book is among the best. Good, tight writing, good description. Good action.

    The British slang will be a stumbling block to some.

    This is the FIRST book of the Narnia Chronicles. This is where you start the series.

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