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Violeta's Reviews > Dream Story
Dream Story
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What is this beautiful novella??
A mesmerizing fairy tale for adults dealing with the two eternal themes: Sex & Death. A hypnotic journey into the subconscious. An alluring allegory. A psychological thriller. A story inspired by Freud’s theories that were the new thing at the time it was written. An unmasking of the depravity lurking beneath the surface of civilized society. A study of marriage and infidelity. More likely a "Dream Story� that contains all of the above and lets its readers decide for themselves.
It was also the inspiration for Kubrick’s last film, Eyes Wide Shut; although I love Kubrick, I can safely say that it’s way more engrossing than that mediocre film. Plus, it won’t take up too much of your time and it will have your imagination work at full speed. What more could a reader ask?
The plot: a happily-married couple spice-up their love life by confessing to each other their erotic fantasies. Risky business! The confessions set in motion a series of conscious and subconscious reactions and feelings that find an outlet in their dreams. Or was that happening in real life? That is the question at the heart of the story. Poor husband has the added “benefit� of coming face-to-face with death (him being a doctor and being summoned to treat a patient who is already dead when he arrives) and that, combined with the confessions of his wife (that don’t work miracles on his confidence), throws him in deep existential agony that finds a variety of ways to manifest itself. Thus, his escapade (or his dream) begins�
It sounds cryptic and it is, same as our thoughts are sometimes obscure even to ourselves. Arthur Schnitzler, the author, a bon-viveur and a doctor himself, a conformist rebel who was Freud’s contemporary, was deeply influenced by the latter’s progressive theories. As Anne, my reading buddy for this book, said early on: “Freud is all over the story.� I was very fortunate to read this with her; not only it made the experience more pleasant but her informed opinions served as a guiding light in the maze of allusions to the psychoanalytic theories this book is full of. Not that one needs a psychotherapist like Anne to handle this but our different approaches made it very interesting and I’m grateful for our discussions.
The ending put a big smile on my face; I thought it was splendid and hopeful. I went away from this story thinking that we are our secrets and contradictions as much as we are our straightforward selves. We contain multiple realities, our awoken ones and those that exist solely in our dreams. Perhaps we shouldn’t complain too much about our lives being boring and uneventful; all we have to do is go to sleep and a whole new world of adventure is ready to welcome us. Which world feels more…real is up to us to decide�
…neither the reality of a single night nor even of a person’s entire life can be equated with the full truth about his innermost being.
A mesmerizing fairy tale for adults dealing with the two eternal themes: Sex & Death. A hypnotic journey into the subconscious. An alluring allegory. A psychological thriller. A story inspired by Freud’s theories that were the new thing at the time it was written. An unmasking of the depravity lurking beneath the surface of civilized society. A study of marriage and infidelity. More likely a "Dream Story� that contains all of the above and lets its readers decide for themselves.
It was also the inspiration for Kubrick’s last film, Eyes Wide Shut; although I love Kubrick, I can safely say that it’s way more engrossing than that mediocre film. Plus, it won’t take up too much of your time and it will have your imagination work at full speed. What more could a reader ask?
The plot: a happily-married couple spice-up their love life by confessing to each other their erotic fantasies. Risky business! The confessions set in motion a series of conscious and subconscious reactions and feelings that find an outlet in their dreams. Or was that happening in real life? That is the question at the heart of the story. Poor husband has the added “benefit� of coming face-to-face with death (him being a doctor and being summoned to treat a patient who is already dead when he arrives) and that, combined with the confessions of his wife (that don’t work miracles on his confidence), throws him in deep existential agony that finds a variety of ways to manifest itself. Thus, his escapade (or his dream) begins�
It sounds cryptic and it is, same as our thoughts are sometimes obscure even to ourselves. Arthur Schnitzler, the author, a bon-viveur and a doctor himself, a conformist rebel who was Freud’s contemporary, was deeply influenced by the latter’s progressive theories. As Anne, my reading buddy for this book, said early on: “Freud is all over the story.� I was very fortunate to read this with her; not only it made the experience more pleasant but her informed opinions served as a guiding light in the maze of allusions to the psychoanalytic theories this book is full of. Not that one needs a psychotherapist like Anne to handle this but our different approaches made it very interesting and I’m grateful for our discussions.
The ending put a big smile on my face; I thought it was splendid and hopeful. I went away from this story thinking that we are our secrets and contradictions as much as we are our straightforward selves. We contain multiple realities, our awoken ones and those that exist solely in our dreams. Perhaps we shouldn’t complain too much about our lives being boring and uneventful; all we have to do is go to sleep and a whole new world of adventure is ready to welcome us. Which world feels more…real is up to us to decide�
…neither the reality of a single night nor even of a person’s entire life can be equated with the full truth about his innermost being.
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Jan 21, 2021 01:04AM
Violeta, I love the way you summed up the major themes of this novella without giving too much away. Fantastic review, :))
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Anne, it was such a pleasure reading this with you! It wouldn't have been the same if I had read it alone. We did inspire each other, didn't we? :)) And we were both inspired by the imaginative author, the charming personality that Arthur Schnitzler must have been!
Violeta wrote: "Anne, it was such a pleasure reading this with you! It wouldn't have been the same if I had read it alone. "Right back atcha, Violeta! :)). I definitely understood so much more about this dreamy novella for having discussed every aspect of it with you. Yes, indeed, we did inspire each other to squeeze every ounce of meaning out of every paragraph. Arthur Schnitzler charmed us as much as the ladies of turn of the Century Vienna. :))
Waiting for your own account, which I’m sure is going to be very enlightening! :))
Violeta wrote: "Waiting for your own account, which I’m sure is going to be very enlightening! :))"Ha! We'll see. It's in the works. You've inspired me to get going on it :))
Anne wrote: "Violeta wrote: "Waiting for your own account, which I’m sure is going to be very enlightening! :))"Ha! We'll see. It's in the works. You've inspired me to get going on it :))"
The feeling is mutual!
Violeta wrote: "The feeling is mutual!"😀
Great review Violeta! Not so sure I'd read this one but I like your comment at the end, sleep and dreams have become more vivid and more enduring as I get older - each night is like living another reality, youre right!! We also do things, feel things we would never do in real life. Good stuff.
Thank you Mark! Same thing here, with dreams. While in lockdown my dreams are so much more vivid; not necessarily nightmares but more...sensational. As if to compensate for what little is happening in our social lives nowadays 😁
Your review teleported me into a dream area, Violeta, an unreal real area, though.
Is our world real, or is it just an illusion ? If so, we'd better not know that.The concept is, in fact, the modern equivalent of a very old idea that appears in the myth of Plato's cave, or in Eastern religions , such as buddhism, which tell us that we live in an illusory world called " maya "..
So, we better continue to be " ignorant", because the revelation or awakening could bring a rather sad end. To remain in uncertainty, is the most pleasant certainty.
We contain multiple realities, our awoken ones and those that exist solely in our dreams.Oh, absolutely, Violeta. So this was what the Kubrick film was based on? Very interesting!
That Freud's influence might end in something splendid and hopeful is cryptic indeed! A marvelous review, Violeta. I can see how such a novella might inspire a film. (And also how it might have been difficult for Kubrick to translate...)
I had no idea this was the book behind the movie. Interesting review, Violeta, and beautiful words as always.
What are the odds I would be reading this at the same time you and Anne are reading this? I read it in a collection of his short stories (and 2 novellas). I first became acquainted with Schnitzler through a wonderful short story/novella Lieutenant Gustl. Very nice review. I learned more about the story via your review.
Awesome review, Violeta! I loved your musings on multiple realities (we could add books and stories expanding our lives beyond our dreams and wake experiences :-). I have a copy of this novella dwelling on my shelves and I look forward to read it, slowly, as it is in German. I very much enjoyed Schnitzler's 'Late fame' which was published posthumously, your review now makes me wonder again about the protagonist maybe having traits of Schnizler himself- a 'conformist rebel' seems so fitting to categorise him too :-).
Excellent review, Violeta. I have been contemplating whether or not to read this novel, and you present an excellent case for doing so. There’s food for thought in your paragraph on the ending of the novel, and it left me smiling.
Théodore wrote: "Your review teleported me into a dream area, Violeta, an unreal real area, though.
Is our world real, or is it just an illusion ? If so, we'd better not know that.The concept is, in fact, the mode..."
What a wonderful comment, Theodore! I'm not familiar with the concept of "maya" but I know my Plato - how could I not, in this country of mine? :) So, you think that "ignorance" is protecting us, because reality can never amount to the wholeness of the ideal? Yes, it could be. I'm not opposed to the idea, in fact the more I think of it the more comforting I find it. But this comfort could be deceptive; uncertainty can be pleasant but it can also be tormenting, depending on the circumstances.
This is a fabulously tempting review, Violeta! Your last paragraph is especially intriguing. I've always thought that the dream world is a decent substitute for the real world when life gets rather tedious :D Obviously, I have to add this one :)
Fionnuala wrote: "We contain multiple realities, our awoken ones and those that exist solely in our dreams.Oh, absolutely, Violeta. So this was what the Kubrick film was based on? Very interesting!"
I know that the notion of multiple realities is not much of a revelation, my dear Fionnuala, but the story managed to convey this so beautifully that I couldn't help feeling once more in awe of the idea :)
I can understand why Kubrick thought this story would make for a good film - he never shied away from challenging subjects, but this time it didn't work, in my opinion.
Antigone wrote: "That Freud's influence might end in something splendid and hopeful is cryptic indeed! A marvelous review, Violeta. I can see how such a novella might inspire a film. (And also how it might have bee..."Haha, you're spot-on with this comment, Antigone! I guess Schnitzler's joie de vivre got the better of him and allowed for optimism and...tenderheartedness. If it was up to Freud it wouldn't quite come up roses for the leading characters :)
Yes, it's a difficult story to translate into film; it provides a spectacular scenery (and the movie had that) but its many layers of meaning are very difficult to transmit visually.
Charles wrote: "I had no idea this was the book behind the movie. Interesting review, Violeta, and beautiful words as always."Thank you for stopping here, Charles! It's always a pleasure to see you on a thread.
JimZ wrote: "What are the odds I would be reading this at the same time you and Anne are reading this? I read it in a collection of his short stories (and 2 novellas). I first became acquainted with Schnitzler ..."It's a small world, isn't it Jim?! And an even smaller community here on GR. I'll check his collection of short stories, as well as his other novellas. I trust your judgement and I really appreciated his writing style. If you thought my review was enlightening, wait until Anne posts hers! :D
Ilse wrote: "Awesome review, Violeta! I loved your musings on multiple realities (we could add books and stories expanding our lives beyond our dreams and wake experiences :-). I have a copy of this novella dwe..."Thank you for this marvelous comment, Ilse!
we could add books and stories expanding our lives beyond our dreams and wake experiences
I too have found refuge and joy ever since childhood in this practice :) I just added Late Fame, it sounds very enticing, thank you for mentioning it. Yes, I think it has many autobiographical elements, same as Dream Story. The male leading character in D.S could very well be Schnitzler, both in profession and in ... disposition. I do look forward to your thoughts once you read it.
TBV wrote: "Excellent review, Violeta. I have been contemplating whether or not to read this novel, and you present an excellent case for doing so. There’s food for thought in your paragraph on the ending of t..."That is so nice of you to say, thank you TBV! Do read this story. It could be a day's read, that's how short it is. It took Anne and me longer because we were thoroughly discussing every chapter. But it can also be enjoyed without so much analysis, just for its imposing, dreamy atmosphere.
Candi wrote: "This is a fabulously tempting review, Violeta! Your last paragraph is especially intriguing. I've always thought that the dream world is a decent substitute for the real world when life gets rather..."Thanks so much for stopping by, Candi; happy to have intrigued and tempted you! You should read this before bedtime. It will turn your dreams into a more colorful, decent substitute. I so hear you on this one :D
As a person who spends her quiet time often in daydreams, I really appreciated your final paragraph, Violeta. Dreams, a beautiful substitute for sometimes the pain or monotony of the everyday "reality". Like Charles, I had no idea that this book inspired the Kubrick film. Intriguing! I'm curious, are there masked orgies in this book too?
As always your review provides insight and food for thought. Just lovely!
We all seem to be enjoying small departures from reality every now and then, don’t we? In fact, as...chronic readers, it’s safe to say we have a mild to strong addition! Oh well...worse things could happen in life, I don’t worry about that:)About the masked orgies, there is the insinuation of one. The description of the setting and of the attire (or lack thereof) of the guests of a bal masqué that resembles a sexy mystical ritual is there and it’s suggestive but it ends before anything explicit happens.
I think I’ve just provided more than food for thought but...blame it on Schnitzler :D
Very happy to see you stopping by, as always, Robin!
Ah! the Viennese and their dreams. Thanks for this lovely review, Violeta. However, I have to disagree with you about Eyes Wide Shut. A strange film, yes. A mediocre one, no!
So glad to see you here, Ulysee. Like I said, I love Kubrick and I love... strangeness in films, but: Tom Cruise was a very unfortunate choice for the leading role and that spoiled it for me. I recently tried to rewatch it on Netflix but nope, he still got on my nerves :) Pity because the sets were wonderful, as was the score and of course Kidman. Perhaps Kubrick was a bit tired, he was near the end after all, but even if he wasn't he couldn't have done much with Cruise's acting. Thank you for giving me the chance to ramble on a favorite topic: movies. Any objection is very welcome!
Although I'm not a big fan of Tom Cruise either, I find him oddly suited to play the part of a bumbling fool doctor who sticks his nose in other people's business and gets punished for it. Maybe that's why I have such a fondness for Eyes Wide Shut: I actually enjoy seeing Tom Cruise being punished. Hmm, what would Freud say about that, I wonder?
Hahah, you have a point there, Ulysse, and I love it! Especially the punishment part.I'm actually closer to Freud in that, than on Schnitzler's approach. He is compassionate and humane and gives the story of his poor, fool doctor a fine, comforting ending. That's why it put a smile on my face and made me feel a little more "reconciled to myself" and to relationships in general! Ilse said these words in quotes in her review of another Schnitzler novel, so I guess it was his overall attitude towards his characters. A great author that I want to get more acquainted with.
What a seductive review of a book that is by turns seductive, shocking, and surreal.
Than you, Cecily! All three characterizations are true and I would also add: surprisingly compassionate, in the end.
Yes, I suppose it is surprisingly compassionate.
Perfect review of a fascinating story - although Eyes Wide Shut is probably my favourite movie so I definitely do not agree with its description as a 'mediocre film', lol !
Thank you, Fleur! I admit the film was a case of unrealized great expectations. If it weren’t Kubrick’s last work, if Kidman wasn’t starring…you get the picture. That said, I had been left with a lot of questions when I saw it eons ago and the book clarified a lot, so maybe I should give it a second chance. 😊
Absolutely Great Review! My one gripe is that “Eyes Wide Shut,� is hardly mediocre young lady!!!
SpikeSpiegel wrote: "Absolutely Great Review! My one gripe is that “Eyes Wide Shut,� is hardly mediocre young lady!!!"
Somehow, I never saw this comment, sorry!
Thanks a lot for stopping by, and your feedback!
No, "Eyes Wide Shut" is not a mediocre young lady :))
For what it's worth, the justification of my poor opinion is to be found above, in comments 29-31.
