Leaving Awake

Aus dem Leben eines Taugenichts. by Joseph von Eichendorff

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I'd give this book 6 stars if possible as it comes at just the right moment.

My good friend Klaus Hofmann taught this book in secondary school where it was mandatory reading (part of the canon in Germany till 20 years ago). The story concerns a 'good for nothing' who doesn't want to fit in, do the work, meet expectations of the middle class. So he sets out on a life with no bonds, claims or expectations. No single word is wasted here, as his entire destiny as a rebelling youth with a privileged (but not aristocratic) background meets with resistance at every level of society. Yet at the same time, he charms folks and has truly deep insights into beauty, decency and following his own ideals. Humor plays a fine aspect of the novel, in almost a cruel/magnificent Cervantes style.

The unrealistic, almost 'fairy tale' narrative structure could stand in the way for some. For me it emphasized that the events and characters in the book were not to be taken as realistic portrayals - they stood for larger than life ideas and poetically explored and glorified a certain bold rejection of common values. The 'Good for nothing' manages to overstep boundaries in a foolish but heroic approach to life and have a great time at it from beginning to end.

I'm not quite the kid I was in my early 20s who took off abroad for points indeterminate, but like the Taugenichts this trip was formative and set the stage for what would come next.

Klaus' most interesting point when we discussed the book was that rebellion against the middle class arises out of it, is an integral part of conventional classes whose members seek primarily to establish themselves. Their children don't always get with the program and even if to the extent they do, they may never fully accept it on others' terms.

Free electronic book: in German and in English translation. I haven't read the English translation so I can't say if it is any good, sorry.

View all my reviews >>