Let it win all the prizes.

It's truly not what I had feared. For years, I had given it a wide swerve, even though I had enjoyed her other books. Indeed, it's about a mystic Romantic philosopher in the making. There's some pondering about the infinite, about true bliss and the meaning of life. But really, there's not an excessive amount of abstract musing. This book is not overly difficult. It's short but demands a slow and deliberate read.

Written in a series of abrupt chapters, we are transported into the world of two families in 18th century Saxony. It's a world filled with piety, hierarchies, and enormous appetites. Food, especially offal, features prominently, as do fairs, clothing, engineering, households and their organization, and tuberculosis. But above all, it's these two families and their satellites that take center stage.

In a world where girls were betrothed and married in their mid-teens, Fritz (the young Novalis) falls passionately in love with Sophie, a twelve-year-old child. Convinced of his love, he ignores her self-evident stupidity and immaturity, despite the remonstrations from his brother and others. He calls her "My Philosophy," seeing her as the embodiment of an all-encompassing theory that he is reaching for throughout his university years and, later, during his day job in the salt mines. The search for the Blue Flower, indeed.

While the families of the ill-fated pair continue to gorge their happy way through the years, with humor and tolerance, the twin shadows of war and disease sound distant warnings. Tuberculosis will exact its toll, but the impact of the French Revolution will arguably be even greater.

Finally, Fitzgerald's writing is sharp, spare, and has that direct, clipped quality that only the best can achieve. Her dialogue is tremendous, funny, and singular. There is a lot of action and very little musing and dillydallying. The book moves at a brisk clip.

Read it. Again.

Historical fiction often delves into the lives of real people, and this particular work focuses on a small but significant segment of the life of German philosopher Friedrich (Fritz) von Hardenberg, better known as the poet Novalis. At the age of twenty, Fritz becomes deeply infatuated with twelve-year-old Sophie von Kühn, whom he affectionately refers to as his “Philosophy.” He completely ignores the advances of a beautiful and intelligent woman, instead preferring the child. In his mind, he sees Sophie as someone he can mold according to his ideals.

Sophie comes from a different social class, which presents Fritz with a difficult challenge. Convincing his family to allow the engagement is no easy task. The story is beautifully written, transporting readers back to Saxony in the 1790s. It vividly evokes a sense of time and place, allowing readers to experience the medical practices, fashions, family routines, and courting practices of that era. The work also references the influences of the French Revolution and other notable events and people of the period.

The characters in the story are truly wonderful, especially the von Hardenberg family members. The depiction of Fritz’s mischievous and precocious little brother, known as “the Bernhard,” is particularly enjoyable. The story combines humor and charm with an ill-fated love story, making it an excellent example of what historical fiction can achieve in the hands of a talented author.

Lovely, odd piece of historical fiction! It is truly packed with memorable characters. Their seemingly minor actions congeal into a sweeping representation of the late eighteenth century.

The romance between Novalis and a young girl is, without a doubt, the emotional core of the novel. However, I'll remember his siblings and the wonderful Karoline for just as long.

Fitzgerald, whose late blooming career is fascinating in and of itself, has a very light touch and a clear affection for the source material. This is presented seamlessly.

You wouldn't think from the description that this is a breezy read, but it truly flies on by. It's a captivating piece of work that draws you in and keeps you engaged from start to finish.

The characters are so well-developed that you feel as if you know them personally. The historical setting is brought to life in a vivid and detailed way.

Overall, this is a wonderful novel that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or a good romance. It's a must-read for fans of Fitzgerald's work and those who are looking for something new and different.

This book was truly very enjoyable.

However, it is rather difficult to precisely put into words why this is the case.

It is a wry and imagined tale centered around the German poet Novalis.

The writing is exquisitely beautiful, with scarcely a single word that seems out of place.

It rightfully earns its reputation as Fitzgerald's most fully realized and ambitious novel.

Every sentence is crafted with such care and precision that it draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from start to finish.

The story unfolds in a unique and captivating manner, taking the reader on a journey through the mind and experiences of the characters.

Despite its complexity, the book manages to remain accessible and engaging, making it a truly remarkable piece of literature.

Another strange and charming novel from Penelope Fitzgerald awaits.

I find myself excited at the thought of returning to this one someday.

Especially on the first read, and even though this is my fourth book by her, there is something about Fitzgerald's prose that doesn't sit easily in my mind.

It takes me a considerable amount of time to read slowly and fully understand.

However, I truly do enjoy the fact that it feels like a challenge.

Her writing style is unique and requires careful attention.

The stories she weaves are filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Each character is vividly drawn, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

Despite the initial difficulty in grasping her prose, the overall experience of reading her novels is highly rewarding.

I look forward to delving deeper into her works in the future and uncovering more of the hidden gems within.

When I am lost and don't know what to read, when I think that all books are mediocre or when I find myself in a reading crisis after several unremarkable stories, I turn to Fitzgerald.

Because this author is a sure success, due to how she unfolds an apparently simple story in a complex universe, because of the elegance of her style and how she measures the descriptions. It is a delight to read her. And even more so in an edition like this.

For me, Fitzgerald is my lifeboat when the seas of reading are not favorable to me.

Fitzgerald's works have a unique charm that can draw readers in and make them forget about the chaos and mediocrity of other books. Her ability to create vivid characters and immersive worlds is truly remarkable.

Whether it's her exploration of human nature, her beautiful prose, or her engaging plots, Fitzgerald always manages to deliver a reading experience that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.

So, the next time you find yourself in a reading slump, I highly recommend giving Fitzgerald a try. You won't be disappointed.

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The story was truly charming.

It had all the elements that could capture one's heart and imagination. The characters were well-developed, and the plot was engaging, leading the reader on a wonderful journey.

However, as the story came to an end, it took a turn that was truly bleak.

The conclusion left a sense of disappointment and sadness. It was as if all the beauty and promise that had been built up throughout the story was suddenly shattered.

Despite the charming beginning, the ending served as a reminder that sometimes, life doesn't always have a happy ending.

It made the reader reflect on the transient nature of joy and the inevitability of facing difficult realities.

Overall, the story was a bittersweet experience, with a charming start and a bleak ending that left a lasting impression.

I've made up my mind to take this book back to the library after reading around 50 pages or so.

It has a dreamy and floaty quality to it, almost as if it's composed of little vignettes from Fritz' life. However, it just isn't captivating me.

I find myself longing for something more substantial, something that will really draw me in and make me eager to turn the next page.

Perhaps it's the lack of a strong narrative arc or the absence of fully developed characters that is causing my disinterest.

Whatever the reason, I feel that this book isn't meeting my expectations and I'm ready to move on to something else that might offer a more engaging reading experience.

Penelope Fitzgerald has instantly entered my pantheon of favorite writers.

This remarkable woman possesses an unpredictable style that hooks you with all those characters who emerge as if they are flowing.

Her works are like a magical tapestry, with each character being a vibrant thread that weaves together to create a captivating story.

You never know what to expect next, and that's what makes her writing so engaging.

The way she brings her characters to life is truly a marvel.

They seem to step off the page and into your imagination, making you feel as if you are a part of their world.

Penelope Fitzgerald's writing is a joy to read, and I can't wait to explore more of her works.

She is a true master of the craft, and her talent shines through in every word she writes.

This is truly one of the most perfect novels I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The tone is dry and ironic, yet it is deeply compassionate, which creates a unique and engaging reading experience. The author's vivid depiction of life in Germany during the late 18th century is so detailed and accurate that it's almost impossible to believe that they didn't actually live during that time period. Every aspect of society, from the upper classes to the working poor, is brought to life in a way that makes the reader feel as if they are actually there.

This novel is absolutely wonderful and can truly be considered a small masterpiece. It combines elements of humor, satire, and tragedy to create a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The characters are well-developed and complex, and the plot is engaging from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or is interested in learning more about life in Germany during the late 18th century.

After I was unable to correctly record the reading status while on the road and it ended up in the review like that, here is finally a proper review that is also a travelogue.

This book I read because I spent a few days in Naumburg and came across the fact that Novalis lived and died in the neighboring Weißenfels, where I let my short trip fade away. Also, Penelope Fitzgerald was not unknown to me: I had read Die Buchhandlung with mixed feelings and knew that she was especially praised for the present novel.

My relationship with German Romanticism is tense. For example, I can't do anything with Jean Paul and all his myth-quoting. E.T.A Hoffmann wrote a few good stories, okay. And ages ago I actually read Heinrich von Ofterdingen, keyword "Blue Flower". Nothing stuck, except the memory of boredom and pathos.

Now a historical novel about Novalis (aka Friedrich von Hardenberg, mostly called Fritz here), or about his love for the young Sophie. This Sophie is only 12 years old when Novalis falls in love with her, and she is also quite uneducated. This love story remains completely foreign to me, probably because I look at it with today's eyes, back then it was not unusual. Maybe it is precisely the childishness and the lack of education that inspire the Romantic as a symbol of innocence, but it makes me feel empty and a bit disgusted. That Fritz's initially rational-critical brother Erasmus also falls in love with the innocent creature makes me uneasy.

This does not change the fact that one suffers with Sophie when she falls seriously ill and dies at the age of 15, even before the marriage to Novalis takes place.

What I still liked about the story were the descriptions of the Hardenberg family: The piety of the father (I only knew Herrnhuter as Christmas stars before), the various estates they own in the region but are still impoverished. The insecure mother, the many siblings, the organization of the household. Among the siblings, the younger brother Bernhard stands out especially, who is already damned smart at the age of 6, the darling of the family, spoiled, cheeky and brave – and with a dangerous affinity for water. When I stood at the family's grave in Weißenfels, his name immediately caught my eye and I had to swallow when I learned from the gravestone that he drowned at the age of 13.

Also very exciting for me were the descriptions of the landscape, which I could admire from the train or while taking a walk myself: the rivers, the places, the wine-growing. Not least, salt works and mining played a decisive role in Novalis' life. He took over the office of salt assessor and carried out extensive studies on the mineral resources in the region. So many lignite finds in the region go back to his studies – as the employee in the Novalis exhibition in his living and dying house in Weißenfels assured me. The exhibition is very small and manageable; I was the only visitor and the light had to be turned on especially for me. One of the Meissen porcelain figures on display was sponsored by Tönnies, by the way. Yes, exactly that Tönnies that keeps generating the creepiest headlines, bought a slaughterhouse in Weißenfels from the Treuhand in 1990. So quickly one leaves Romanticism and is back in the unromantic present.

Also not very romantic is the sad end of Sophie. She suffered from a liver disease and tuberculosis, had to undergo several operations without anesthesia, the wound was left open with silk threads to let the poisonous liquids drain. Such insights into the medicine of the past shock me and make me grateful for my here and now.

It is known that Novalis processed this tragic, unfulfilled love in his works, but I am put off by how he deals with Sophie's illness: I love Sophie almost more because of her illness. Illness may be the necessary beginning of love. We could not love God himself if he did not need our help. – But the healthy, who have to watch and can do nothing, also need help, perhaps even more than the sick.

And when it comes to an end with Sophie, one reads this dialogue with one of her sisters: "If I were allowed to take care of her, I could, even if you may not believe it," said Fritz. "Yes, I know something about that."
"If you stayed here, you would not be needed as a caregiver," replied the Mandelsloh. "You would be needed as a liar." Fritz raised his heavy head.
"What would I have to say?"
"God help us – you would have to tell her every day anew: 'Today you already look a little better, Söphgen. Yes, I really think a little better. Soon we can already go into the garden. We just have to wait until the weather gets warmer.'"
She had spoken the words like an actor at the first rehearsal, completely without feeling. Fritz looked at her in horror.
"And if I couldn't say that, would you think of me as a coward?"
"My idea of cowardice is very simple," said the Mandelsloh.
A moment later Fritz cried out: "I can't lie to her, any more than I can lie to myself."
"I don't know to what extent a poet lies to himself."
"She is my guardian spirit. She knows that."
The Mandelsloh gave no answer.
"Shall I stay?"
She still said nothing, and Fritz abruptly left the room. Where will he go? wondered the Mandelsloh. That's so much easier for a man. If a woman wants to be alone because she has to make a difficult decision, where can she go?

I probably don't have to say that he didn't come back.

Finally, a word about Weißenfels. While it is very pleasant and lively in the neighboring Naumburg and one is well provided for gastronomically, Weißenfels almost depressed me. Even on a Saturday, the streets, even the market square, are deserted. No inviting restaurants, cafes, tourists, not even in the old town. Although there is an imposing castle and significant old town substance next to the Novalis house. One is in the region with the picturesque name of Burgenland, has great wines, is only 9 train minutes away from Naumburg and yet in a different world. How extremely可惜!

**The Blue Flower: A Disappointing Read**

The Blue Flower, the winner of the American National Book Critics Circle Award in 1997, was a struggle for me from start to finish. It appears to be based on extensive research, but as a reader without in-depth knowledge, I can't verify the accuracy of all the details. The problem is that the research shows too much. In my opinion, historical details should blend seamlessly into the story, not overshadow it. For example, we're told the central character is studying literature on salt mine management and given a list of book titles that all sound similar. This information could have been better presented in a note. Another example is the inclusion of dull diary entries that add little value.

The places in Germany are mentioned but not vividly described, and the same goes for the characters. They are flat and lack depth, making it hard for me to form any emotional connection with them. When one of them dies, I feel nothing. The prose is not engaging or beautiful, which seems odd for a book about a romantic poet. The dialogs are stilted, and the sentences have a staccato flow, often with one word replacing a complete sentence.

The possible explanation for this writing style could be the German penchant for order and form. The book reads more like a textbook than a story about love and passion. It's an essay on German life in Saxony at the end of the 1700s, with an excess of historical facts that drown out the people, the most important element of any story.

The book is about George Philipp Friedrich Freiherr von Hardenberg, who became the famous philosophical poet Novalis. It covers his life from 1790 to 1797, when he was studying to take over the family's salt mining business and fell in love with Sophie von Kühn. Their love affair is chaste and lacks passion. The title refers to a blue flower in a story Fritz wrote, but the meaning of the flower remains a mystery. The audiobook, read by Thomas Judd, starts too fast, making it hard to keep up with all the names and places. Only at the end, when I knew who everyone was and just wanted the novel to end, was the narration okay.

I like the quotes of Friedrich von Hardenberg (Novalis), but the novel fails to reveal the man behind the lines. It leaves the poet at the age of twenty-five, and either Penelope Fitzgerald didn't capture him properly or he hadn't yet matured into the philosopher poet he was to become. Overall, I was disappointed with The Blue Flower and gave it only 1 star.