Henry von Ofterdingen

Novalis

This unfinished German novel was written about 1800. Although the author died before completing it, it does not leave the reader hanging for a conclusion. According to my research, it is an early example of German Romanticism writing. It is a gentle book, full of wonder, poetry, fairy tales, and philosophy.

Henry von Ofterdingen accompanies his mother as they leave the town where he has lived all his life to go to Augsberg to visit his grandparents. He is a young man, trying to find his path in life. They join a group of merchants travelling their way. As he talks with these merchants he learns many more stories and considers becoming a poet. The party meet others along the way that help widen Henry's experiences and outlook.

At the opening of the book Henry has a wondrous dream that seemed to direct his future. As he travels and meets his family's friends in Augsberg, he finds the object of his dream. He also begins to learn all that is involved in being a poet.

I took pleasure in reading the first two thirds of the book as I followed Henry on his journey and met the different people. I did get lost in the end. First, a great poet in Augsberg told a fairy tale that lost me. I'm planning on reading this book again before I return it to the library. Maybe I'll understand its point better the next time I read it. Then the second part of the book (and the end) took a philosophical bent. Once again, I need to study it again. There was no story line, just a new character's philosophy. It was above my comprehension at the time.

This novel was written in German originally. The conversation is quite stilted and formal throughout most of the book. I understand that is Novalis' style, not the way the phrases translated. He wrote conversations in more flowery and formal style. The English translator of the edition I read tried to stay true to the original intent and voice as well as the words.

Candide by Voltaire