[MrGunjMan_]

This extraordinary novel, translated into English as ?Green Henry?, is generally acknowledged to be one of the great novels of World Literature, and while I find ranking literature difficult, especially over a large period of time, after finishing ?Green Henry? I could not but concede the justness of such a categorization.
It doesn't force any reading on you; (...). Fact is, it drew me right in and especially the first and last third just flew by. Highly recommended (but only the first edition!). s*: Wild at Art: Gottfried Keller's “Der Gr?ne Heinrich”

[Signabeademia]

M.,
Splendid review.

Remarks:
The structure of the novel sounds confusing, but you're very straightforward about that, not leading the reader to expect anything different. As you say, Keller's prose enables everything to cohere. Okay, he's obviously a masterful writer. Unfortunately, I haven't yet had the privilege of reading him, though my copy of this book is on its way.

I like the way you compare the novel to "a long, elaborate dream," such as one of the dreams related in the story itself. Keller's characters sound fully dimensional, even if Heinrich is frightfully immature and never seems to accept full responsibility for himself and for his life. After all, many people in "real life" are like that, too. It's not always easy to grow up, is it? And self-pity is almost second nature to those who are very young and to those who are very old, for, in the one instance, the person is looking ahead towards a future that seems beyond their grasp, and, in the other scenario, the person is looking back at a future that was either bright and glorious or tragically unfulfilled.

When you say that you have come to see that hurt is not easily put off one's tracks, you're quite right, M. And sometimes, oddly, trying to in some way escape the hurt will only make it worse in the long run. I suspect this is what Heinrich learns. . .and, in fact, what we all learn when we don't necessarily face things head onwards. No matter how much we may run, at some point all of us are forced to stand still. . .and that is when the hurts and demons from our past appear and we have to sort through them and then, eventually, move on.

Yes, that's personal, though it most likely relates on some level to this text.

I have two choices when I read a review like this: I can either be passionate and enthusiastic about it, which means I run the risk of being digressive. . .or, conversely, I can merely say "Good work." I usually opt for the latter and hope not to receive too many complaints.

What you mention that Heinrich learns from nature is important--namely, that the true value of art lies in depicting as genuine a picture of the natural world as possible. Forgive me for borrowing your ideas with abandon simply to make these remarks, dear. Without having read the book, it's all guesswork. But when a person writes a review as excellent as yours is, that guesswork isn't always so far off the mark.

A final remark, if I may, about the significance of the color green. There is the double meaning, of course, both of green meaning "raw" and the clothes Heinrich wears being green. I would like to think that Heinrich changes profoundly over the course of this novel, but even if he doesn't, I have perfect confidence in your recommendation.

And thanks, by the way, for recommending Green Henry to me back in December. I've been waiting for you to review it with a great deal of eagerness as you said you would be re-reading it soon at that time.

NO words of flowery praise or grandiloquent speeches.

I think you're marvelous. You know that.

~Titania

"Works of art are acts that endure."
The Counterfeiters, Andre Gide

[Anykeylo]

I liked the review too, Titantia...and i'm a hard to please old bat at the best of times, so please don't tell him i said as much But really, all of M's best qualities as hearty and generous thinker are present and correct