The Magician, by Colm Tóibín

dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It’s complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5 I struggled to get through this book. I don’t understand why someone would write a novel instead of a biography. I’m not familiar with Mann’s work and didn’t feel invested and I wasn’t impressed by his (lack of) character. I had a hard time keeping track of the characters and so much of it was depressing and non redemptive. The writing style is beautiful and I appreciated the historical unfolding as a backdrop to the story of Mann’s life. 

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 Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide, Incest, and War