The Fairy Tales of Hermann Hesse

The European is the most brilliant thing I’ve ever imagined. The world is lost to war so God, again, floods the place and sends Noah back for one of everything. A talent show is held aboard the “houseboat.” Noah had me and then later my 12YO daughter laughing aloud to the point of having to put the book down. Just wonderful... If the war continues... I saw one review and the reviewer was correct; only I see the story as more of a warning. Why make all the sacrifices? Answer: to keep the war going; it’s all the people have left. In other words, absent of art and a striving to bring beauty to the world, the individual and also group will inevitably fill the void with conflict. Simply put, take your recreation seriously!

I found Hesse fairy tales enlightening; three in particular stood out. One is "If the War Continues", which I studied in Intermediate German in college. This is an example of how war will trample on individual freedom; it carries shades of 1984, with Big Brother forbidding wearing of leather shoes, taking walk without permit. This tale does EXAGGERATE wartime restrictions; indeed, in OUR history, even in the two World Wars, civilians could wear leather shoes and take walks when they saw fit. Yes, there was rationing; yes, news was censored; yes, non-essential goods were not manufactured; yes, non-essential travel was frowned on. I wonder if Germany under the Hohenzollerns in WWI (and Hitler in WWII) had restrictions that Hesse mentioned. This story is eloquent of Hesse pacifist views. There is also "The Difficult Path", which shows that however difficult it is to achieve a goal, it can be achieved with will and vision. Most of all, I remember-- and enjoy-- "Flute Dream". This, too, I studied first in intermediate German in college. This tale is of young man leaving home with talents-- but no focus. He met girl who kissed him and gave him bread, as he utilized his singing talent. However, he walked on, passing up not only a relationship but an outlet for his talents. Then he boarded a boat piloted by an old man, seeing this as opportunity knocking. The young man's songs were not appreciated, and he regretted taking this course, seeing as night came on, that he must identify with the old man. He also was told by the helmsman that there is no way back, but when he took the helm, the old man disappeared, and HE BECAME the old man! What this is about is young adults' going off on their own with talents AND idealism, but no focus, so when they DO see opportunity to be creative and use their talents, and be REALLY successful THAT way, they pass it up, seeking ring dang doo or whatever. THEN they jump at what LOOKS like opportunity but is really a dead end! IT can take the form of having high goals but winding up in dead-end job for life OR-- GETTING to the TOP NOT by being creative, using talents, but MINDLESS CONFORMISM, being yes-men. So, "Flute Dream" sym- bolizes, among other things, idealism and high hopes, but missing opportunity and heading for dead end, from lack of focus. I was blind to this in college, then when I LATER read it in English, part of Strange News From Another Star, I did not grasp this meaning. Now, I am thankful to have copy of Hesse's Fairy Tales, as I have more grasp of meaning of "Flute Dream", and should find others that give insights.

For readers of a certain age (like myself), the pairing of Hermann Hesse & Donovan will be a delight in itself. But I hasten to add that Donovan is a superb reader for these evocative stories: always articulate, precise, and just a touch ethereal. Add to that the tasteful scattering of guitar notes at appropriate junctures, and you have the words of a master conveyed by a masterful performer. Joyfully recommended!

wonderfu

After reading several of Hermann Hesse's novels, I saw this book in a local bookstore and, admittedly attracted at first by it's lovely cover, I decided to purchase it. And what a joy it was to read! It provides a nice selection of Hesse's short-stories, in very readable translation. I'm very happy that I bought it, and I think that it is a must-have for anyone who wants a good introduction to Hesse's short stories. Includes the memorable story "Iris".