"Das ist die Geschichte des Musikers Johannes Elias Alder, der zweiundzwanzigjährig sein Leben zu Tode brachte, nachdem er beschlossen hatte, nicht mehr zu schlafen"--P. 9.

Del capolavoro decantato da critica e pubblico ho trovato solo alcuni tratti di prosa emozionante, ma purtroppo null'altro. Più che la storia mi ha colpito il garbato umorismo dello scrittore, vagamente snob e la competenza tecnica nelle descrizioni musicali. Anzichè invogliare la lettura di altre storie del medesimo scrittore, il libro mi indirizza sopratutto alla ricerca di qualche pagina musicale di un buon organista. ( )

Though with a good Leitmotiv and exploring the same thematic as Das Parfüm (the story of an adversity-stricken, miserable genius), there is no suspense, the plot is poor and, overall, the book is just too depressing. ( )

I can't remember when I bought this book but I'm sure it was more than 10 years ago and I'm also sure it was because someone compared it to [book: Perfume] from [author: Patrick Suskind] which is one of my all time favorite books.

Though there are similiarities I found this book nowhere near as interesting, unique or beautifully written as Perfume. There was really no suspense, no mystery, just a kind of evenly paced telling of a tale that seemed to have no climax or build up.

So if you liked this I would definitely recommend Perfume but I guess no matter what I would definitely recommend Perfume so that's not saying much. ( )