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**saopinax** · 01-18-2009, 03:06 AM

How is everyone getting on? I was very relieved to finish this last night - I found it excruciatingly dull on the whole. I know now why it wasn't included on my uni-Thomas-Mann syllabus and for those whose first Mann this was, and who might be put off by it, I'd recommend Buddenbrooks, which is everything that this isn't. Or if you want something shorter, Death In Venice, which I'm going to read in February. I need a faith restorer.

It was my first Thomas Mann and I really enjoyed it so it sounds like I'm in for a real treat with his others! I have Death in Venice but it is translated by H.T. Lowe-Porter who reportedly changed things around that she didn't like. I think I'd prefer to read a different translation! Which do you have, Lizzy?

On to the next chapter, Albrecht II, where the Spoelmanns enter the story. Mr Spoelmann has inherited his wealth so cannot be "blamed" (page 133 in my edition). It is his father who is the real Leviathan and Croesus (I had to look these up on wikipedia, and I'm not sure I understand why Spoelman is referred to as a Leviathan (sea monster?). Croesus makes sense because he is rich.

01-18-2009, 03:06 AM	#42
saopinax Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 468 Senior Member	How is everyone getting on? I was very relieved to finish this last night - I found it excruciatingly dull on the whole. I know now why it wasn't included on my uni-Thomas-Mann syllabus and for those whose first Mann this was, and who might be put off by it, I'd recommend Buddenbrooks, which is everything that this isn't. Or if you want something shorter, Death In Venice, which I'm going to read in February. I need a faith restorer. It was my first Thomas Mann and I really enjoyed it so it sounds like I'm in for a real treat with his others! I have Death in Venice but it is translated by H.T. Lowe-Porter who reportedly changed things around that she didn't like. I think I'd prefer to read a different translation! Which do you have, Lizzy? On to the next chapter, Albrecht II, where the Spoelmanns enter the story. Mr Spoelmann has inherited his wealth so cannot be "blamed" (page 133 in my edition). It is his father who is the real Leviathan and Croesus (I had to look these up on wikipedia, and I'm not sure I understand why Spoelman is referred to as a Leviathan (sea monster?). Croesus makes sense because he is rich.
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