Maybe I shouldn’t have read this due to a 5-second TikTok that was as intriguing as it could be.

Generally speaking, I don’t think I have a penchant for historic books. So, this one was quite a struggle for me to get through. However, I do manage to understand its appeal.

The book was written proficiently and at a brisk pace. Nevertheless, the German words inserted in the dialogue during the first half seemed rather unnecessary.

Perhaps if I had a greater interest in history or a better understanding of the German language, I might have enjoyed this book more. But as it stands, it was a bit of a challenge for me.

Nonetheless, I can still appreciate the efforts put into writing it and the story that it was trying to convey.

Stunning.

Every single sentence in this work is purposeful and seems unimprovable. It has the remarkable ability to evoke the world of 18th-century Germany with such vividness, authority, and ease. What's truly astonishing is that it doesn't feel like a typical historical novel at all.

I simply can't think of a book that manages to achieve a more beautiful balance between gravity and lightness, poetry and philosophy. "The Blue Flower" is essentially a profound exploration of the nature of love and the question of why we sometimes, or perhaps often, choose such odd candidates as the objects of our deepest affection. It delves into the complex emotions and psychological aspects that drive our choices in love, making us reflect on our own experiences and perceptions. This book is a literary masterpiece that offers both entertainment and deep intellectual nourishment.

“The Blue Flower” by Penelope Fitzgerald, published in 1995, is a captivating work of historical fiction. It centers around the life of the writer Friedrich von Hardenberg, who later became known as Novalis. In 1794, he fell deeply in love with Sophie van. At that time, Sophie was just twelve years old, while Friedrich was in his twenties. This story delves into their relationship and the events that unfold.

“The Blue Flower” offers a fascinating glimpse into life in eighteenth-century Germany. Fitzgerald's writing is beautiful, painting a vivid picture of the era. The story is both poignant and often darkly funny. It explores themes such as love, youth, and the complexities of human relationships. Through the characters of Friedrich and Sophie, we see the challenges they face and the choices they make.

The novel takes readers on a journey through a bygone era, filled with historical detail and richly developed characters. It is a must-read for those interested in history, literature, or simply a good story. “The Blue Flower” is a masterful work that will leave a lasting impression on its readers.

Well. I have to admit that I really didn't understand this one.

The only positive thing I can say about it is that it is concise. What a meaningless read it was!

None of the characters managed to make a lasting impression on me. However, I did have a certain amount of respect, albeit a rather vague one, for the capable and patient Sidonie and Frederike.

On the other hand, I had a somewhat indistinct dislike for the self-centered Bernhard.

It appears that everyone in this book encounters a tragic end, but to be honest, I don't truly care.

I suppose Fitzgerald's works just don't suit my taste. Maybe I need to explore other authors to find something that really speaks to me.

But for now, I'm left with a sense of disappointment and a feeling that I just didn't "get" what Fitzgerald was trying to convey in this particular piece.

Perhaps with more time and a different perspective, I might be able to appreciate his writing in a different light. But as of now, I'm ready to move on and look for something else to read.

An Expose of Daily Life in Germany During the 1790's

This book offers an interesting look into the daily life of Germany during the 1790's. However, it is not the easiest book to read. The writing style is disjointed, which I presume the author used in an attempt to replicate the clumsiness of authorship during that era in Europe. There are also too many non-translated German words, which often makes it difficult to understand the true meaning of various sentences.

Despite these limitations, I tried to enjoy the storyline, which is a sad tale of love and loss in an era of a class system of nobility and ignorance in basic medical practices. It is appalling to think how limited the knowledge was about how the body heals itself from trauma and disease. Europe in the late 1790's was truly a backwards society.

In contrast, today's society is well educated, advanced, and fortunate. The advancements in most aspects of daily living, health, and nutrition are truly remarkable. Our daily life is so much easier compared to just 200 years ago. It makes one appreciate how far we have come and how much we have to be grateful for.

I've had this on my 'Currently Reading' shelf for an eternity! At first, I was deterred by the late 18th-century setting and the focus on the poet, Novalis, as neither of these were my areas of interest. However, having read 5 or 6 of Fitzgerald's works now, I can say that each and every one is brilliant, and this one is no exception.

This is clearly a historical fiction novel. The author has done extensive research, ensuring that dates, places, people, and known events all align. But if she had focused solely on this, I would have been bored. Instead, the real focus of the novel is the von Hardenberg family, with Fredrick, who took the name Novalis, as the eldest son. The name Novalis comes from an old family name meaning 'clearer of the land', though I can only assume that Fritz (his nickname) intended it to mean more of a cleaning of the soul. I know nothing about Novalis as I haven't read anything by him, but I thoroughly enjoyed Fitzgerald's novel.
I started this book after a reading slump, which is highly unusual for me. I read the first page and sighed with relief, knowing I was in safe hands. It was like listening to my piano teacher perform; I could sit back and enjoy, knowing there wouldn't be any mistakes. The same goes for Fitzgerald.
The novel is rich in detail, with many aspects of late 18th-century life explored. We see the difficulties of travel, the impoverished state of medical knowledge, and yet, at the same time, Germany's position at the forefront of developments in all fields of knowledge. Fitzgerald also delves into the relationships between the von Hardenberg family and Sophie's family, the Kühns, highlighting the differences in their social and economic status.
One of the most poignant aspects of the novel is Fritz's love affair with the twelve-year-old Sophie. Their relationship is complex and beautiful, and Fitzgerald does an excellent job of capturing the emotions and desires of both characters. The story also explores the roles and responsibilities of women in this era, with Friedericke and other female characters taking on tasks and responsibilities that would be rare for a young woman today.
Overall, this novel is a masterpiece. Fitzgerald has recreated a specific era and setting with such vividness and detail that it feels as if we are there. The characters are well-developed and the story is engaging and thought-provoking. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or a good love story.

'Fritz, best of brothers,' said Erasmus. 'Let me be of service to you. Until it's decided where my first appointment is to be, I am nothing but an encumberer of the ground. Let me escort your Sophie and the Mandelsloh back to Gruningen.

It had to be soon, before the winter roads made the journey impossible for an invalid. The Mandelsloh was a meticulous planner. She had thought of almost everything necessary. She had hired a closed carriage, ensuring the horses were roughshod in case of freezing weather. She had sent the heavy luggage on ahead. She called on the wife of Professor Stark and presented her with a farewell present of silver-gilt asparagus knives. She gave the servants their tips, wrote a restrained note to the Schlegels, and allowed Frau Winkler to weep for half an hour on her shoulder.

All that Erasmus had to do was ride alongside the carriage, a round-faced, unimpressive escort, and be on duty at each stop. When they got within ten miles of Gruningen, he must press on ahead to give notice of their arrival. This would be of some, if not very much, use to Sophie. However, his real motive was one of the strongest known to humanity, the need to torment himself. He was perhaps using this task as a way to punish himself for something unknown, or maybe it was a way to face the reality of Sophie's situation and his own feelings for her. Only he knew the true depth of his motives.

Weird, but brilliant.

This book was lent to me by my grandpa who has an unwavering love for Penelope Fitzgerald.

It's truly a strange yet wonderful experience to hold this book in my hands.

My grandpa has always been an ardent fan of Fitzgerald's works, and I can sense his excitement as he passes this particular book on to me.

I think he's absolutely thrilled to have finally converted one of his grandchildren to the charm and allure of Fitzgerald's writing.

As I begin to explore the pages of this book, I can feel myself being drawn into a world that is both unfamiliar and captivating.

Grandpa's enthusiasm is contagious, and I find myself eager to discover what makes Fitzgerald's works so special in his eyes.

Perhaps through this book, I will gain a new appreciation for literature and a deeper understanding of my grandpa's passion.

Who knows what other surprises and revelations await me as I continue on this literary journey?

One thing is for sure, I'm glad my grandpa shared this book with me and introduced me to the wonderful world of Penelope Fitzgerald.

2.75


Courage makes us dreamers, courage makes us poets


I picked up this book for a university exam. Initially, I had rather low expectations. However, as I delved into its pages, I was pleasantly surprised to find it quite an enjoyable read.
The story centers around Friedrich von Hardenberg, a young boy who eventually evolves into the renowned Novalis. The narrative weaves through his life, presenting various elements that are truly interesting.
We get to witness his growth, his dreams, and the challenges he faces along the way.
Yet, despite the engaging aspects, at the end of the day, this book was not entirely to my personal taste. It had its strengths, but perhaps it didn't quite resonate with me on a deeper level.
Nevertheless, it was still a worthwhile experience to have read it for the exam and to gain some insights into the life of Friedrich von Hardenberg.

A historical book set in Germany in 1790 and after, but it's really boring. The main event is that Fritz, the son of a baron, falls in love with Sophie, the daughter of one of the friends who lived with them when he studied at one of the universities (and he studied many subjects at many universities as he was not Fritz or in other words). And she was only twelve years old!! And he kept writing her poems as he started writing the story of the blue rose but he didn't finish it. Sophie got a strange disease and died at the age of fifteen after this illness and the story ends. Strange things happen in the novel (it is said to be true), for example, on the washing day. If the baron's family washes the curtains and linens once a year. And on the same day, one of the daughters wanted to commit suicide by throwing herself into the river but Fritz saved her. And for example, on Christmas Day, the children and the father give a summary of what happened in that year and the father encourages the virtues and vices of his children.

Also, the famous German poet Goethe appears in one of the chapters. And also the French Revolution and so on of events and I don't know what all this has to do with the story?

In general, I didn't like the story and I don't know why I bought it. (Maybe because the reviews for it were great or because the author wrote the novel when she was sixty years old. Which means I have time to write a story).

Queries:

Sophie, be my vigilant spirit (what was written on Fritz's golden seal which is in the Munich Museum in Wiesbaden).

Sophie, you are the heart of my heart.

As things are, we are the enemies of the world, and we are strangers to this earth. We were able to understand the process of separation and through this separation itself I get my life from day to day.

Allow me to be in your service, for until the decision is made when will be my first date, I am nothing but a heavy burden on the earth.

Courage when you don't understand what you are about to reveal will not be better than ignorance.

The Blue Flower is yet another one of the books that my dear old dad got for me at Christmas. Just like the other one I read, What a Life! by JB Priestley, it is a total dud! I really don't know what my pa asked for when he entered the bookstore. But I'm quite certain it was something like, "I want to bore my son like he's never been bored before - what books do you suggest?"

This novel focuses on the short life of Novalis, an obscure late 18th-century German Romantic philosopher/poet, and his relationship with his 14-year-old betrothed, Sophie. Are you on the edge of your seat yet? Well, hold on, because there's more! Novalis is also the administrator of a salt mine, and then Sophie dies at the age of 15 from a brain tumour or something. Novalis himself passes away shortly after, at the age of 28.

Yeah, that really sounds like something I'd be interested in... not! I don't think I've ever mentioned this guy or expressed any desire to read about this era. But whatever - thanks, dad!

I'm truly not sure what Penelope Fitzgerald was aiming for in this book. Novalis and Sophie's story just isn't very exciting, and I don't know what writing about it was supposed to make me feel. I guess it's a bit scandalous nowadays that a twenty-something was interested in a child as his bride, but it was acceptable back in the 18th century. Why was he so obsessed with Sophie - was he just a pedophile in his mind (since he never actually sleeps with her)? I have no clue.

I also didn't really understand much about Novalis' work or its significance to Western culture. He kept referring to Sophie as his "philosophy," but I never really grasped what that meant or what his work and art were all about. Then again, I was falling asleep every other paragraph! This 282-page book took me nearly a month to get through because it's so easy to put down - the pacing is just so slow and dull!

It's also annoying that the book has a lot of untranslated German, which I don't speak, and the characters and places have long German names and titles. A typical sentence would go something like this: "Johanturmhiem went to Turineingemain for the Polaintenurgin. Werntingethenineign was talking to Desingtineoiengiengn about the Kolieingeinteininininin’s Tuinhugjnguun at which the Versingintineugh was very much Gerugugunaeughuhunniinginging." What on earth does that mean?!

A lot of the characters were very one-dimensional - I had a rough idea of who Sophie and Novalis were, but everyone else was just a blank - and everyone speaks in the same voice. I suppose it was mildly interesting (compared to the rest of the novel) towards the end when Sophie was dying, or maybe that was just my excitement at finally nearing the end of this tiresome mess!

This novel is like someone slightly dramatized a Wikipedia entry on Novalis. Read The Blue Flower if you want to experience the mental anguish that young Sophie was going through.

Ugh... there are 8 more books on the Christmas pile! Oh no - is that Proust?! (Goes looking for a noose)

3.5 stars
I must admit that I was completely charmed by the beautiful cover.

When I read that the book was centered around Novalis and that it was Penelope Fitzgerald's final work, I simply couldn't resist the urge to buy it.

The story itself held a certain level of interest. It delved into the life and experiences of Novalis, which was quite captivating.

However, I have to be honest and say that I didn't find the writing style to be overly easy.

It required a bit more effort on my part to fully understand and engage with the text.

Nevertheless, I still managed to appreciate the book for its unique subject matter and the author's obvious talent.

Despite the challenges posed by the writing style, it was an interesting read that offered some valuable insights into the world of Novalis.

Overall, I would rate this book 3.5 stars.