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I definitely want to read more Zweig, some time. For the time being, I am still into non-fiction European history of the 20th century (and some animal-stories in between, so not to lose my mind).

Lilo wrote: "I definitely want to read more Zweig, some time. For the time being, I am still into non-fiction European history of the 20th century (and some animal-stories in between, so not to lose my mind)."

You could read his memoirs then...

Kalliope wrote: "Lilo wrote: "I definitely want to read more Zweig, some time. For the time being, I am still into non-fiction European history of the 20th century (and some animal-stories in between, so not to los..."

I read his memoir about the Zweigs's living in Vermont, many years ago. I remember how they loved animals. I could especially relate to that once an animal (usually a chicken) was named, it was no longer designated to be killed for food.

When I grew up (in Germany, during WWII and also the deprived time after the war), all our chickens had names, but they were killed, anyway, once they reached their "economic" age. They tasted great, but during dinner, tears were running from our eyes. The only family member who didn't cry was my father (and I am rather sure this was because, at the time, crying was considered very "unmanly").

Lilo wrote: "Kalliope wrote: "Lilo wrote: "I definitely want to read more Zweig, some time. For the time being, I am still into non-fiction European history of the 20th century (and some animal-stories in betwe..."

We have always also given names to animals, and some objects too.

It must have felt dreadful to have to eat an acquaintance.

I have this on my "own-to-read" shelf..

Luís wrote: "I have this on my "own-to-read" shelf.."

Fast and engaging read.

I was already sold on this short gem but now I can't wait to read it after your lovely little review.

Garima wrote: "I was already sold on this short gem but now I can't wait to read it after your lovely little review."

You will enjoy it. I did not discuss it but wait until you read his section on hands, their movements, their gestures and what they convey.

It all can happen in a short and measured slice of a person’s life

Indeed. Too much can happen in a short and measured slice of clock time, and that idea is aptly illustrated in the image you've chosen, Kalliope. Klasse!

Kalliope wrote: "Lilo wrote: "Kalliope wrote: "Lilo wrote: "I definitely want to read more Zweig, some time. For the time being, I am still into non-fiction European history of the 20th century (and some animal-sto..."

It WAS dreadful, and I always pleaded for our beloved chickens not being killed, even though I loved the taste of chicken and I have always been a greedy eater. But my grandmother explained that we did not have enough feed and could not afford to keep chickens that no longer produced (an adequate amount of) eggs. During the "bad time", chicken feed was very difficult to obtain. And after the monetary reform (1949), there was more obtainable feed but little money to buy it.

During the war, chickens could only be traded for commodities (like a couch, some good clothing [previously owned by my late grandfather], or a golden pocket watch). We were able to obtain fertilized eggs some time after the war (probably 1947), which we hatched in our kitchen. Since half of the hatched chickens turned out to be males, they had to be raised for food. Thus, they only got to live for (+/- 6) weeks (compared to 3-4 years for laying hens). While all the killing was done by a -- less sensitive -- neighbor, this put such a stress on our family that we never hatched chickens again. The young roosters had been so very loving, flying onto our arms and shoulders, and we betrayed them and had them murdered. To have them killed at such a young age was devastating on all family members.

My husband and I no longer eat chicken, not even humanely raised chicken.

Sorry, I derailed from the book you reviewed.

I definitely want to read more of Zweig. I think I also read some more, decades ago, but can't remember for sure. What would you give first choice? The above book?

Lilo wrote: "Kalliope wrote: "Lilo wrote: "Kalliope wrote: "Lilo wrote: "I definitely want to read more Zweig, some time. For the time being, I am still into non-fiction European history of the 20th century (an..."

The classic is his Schachnovelle

Fionnuala wrote: "

Indeed. Too much can happen in a short and measured slice of clock time, and that idea is aptly illustrated in the image you've c..."

It was a perfect read for a situation in which I had to do a lot of waiting....

Thank you, Kalliope. So you advise to start out with "Schachnovelle".

You write, "It ['Vierundzwanzig Stunden aus dem Leben einer Frau'] was a perfect read for a situation in which I had to do a lot of waiting ..."

Do you think this book would be the right read for me, who I am a very impatient person? :-)

Lilo wrote: "Thank you, Kalliope. So you advise to start out with "Schachnovelle".

You write, "It ['Vierundzwanzig Stunden aus dem Leben einer Frau'] was a perfect read for a situation in which I had to do a l..."

Either are good but the Chess Story is more famous.

Thank you, Kalliope.

I love the way you wrote those dialectical aspects of Zweig's writing Kall, you sold this one for me. Wonderful!

Jareed wrote: "I love the way you wrote those dialectical aspects of Zweig's writing Kall, you sold this one for me. Wonderful!"

Thank you, Jareed. With Zweig I think one certainly has to read a few of his works to get a sense of his very acute powers in observing people. I have identified at least three more, apart from his novel, that I want to read.

Wonderful, enticing and evocative review, Kalliope. This story certainly invites one to further explore Zweig's work and portraying skills, and his fascinating time and friends.

Ilse wrote: "Wonderful, enticing and evocative review, Kalliope. This story certainly invites one to further explore Zweig's work and portraying skills, and his fascinating time and friends."

Thank you, Ilse.. and you have reminded me that I still have a few Zweig works I want to read. Have you read any of the biographies on him?

Not yet, but I am pretty sure Jean-Paul did...and could recommend a fine one. I intend to get to his The World of Yesterday soon. Probably I remember wrongly you did already read that?

@Isle and @J-P,

I have read the autobiography, which in reality disclosed very little of himself, but gave an excellent account of the very difficult times he had to live through.

I also read one which received a lot of attention when published but which complemented very well Zweig's more veiled account. Three Lives: A Biography of Stefan Zweig

Thank you, J-P for your recommendation. I did not know about it.. Will keep the reference but it may take some time until I read it. I certainly like the title.