Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
28(28%)
4 stars
37(37%)
3 stars
34(34%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
99 reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More

Essa was not the type who had an easy life. He had his own "problems" and on top of that, his depression, his cold war with his wife, his son in a psychiatric institution. This unfortunate man was also seeking his inner peace through travels in India and Eastern philosophies. Perhaps this "give and take" with the fairytales of Calima led him to write his own fairytales in a depth of thirty and some years and present them to us.


Fairytales or stories (however one takes them) are read slowly and not in one go because they weigh heavy on the stomach. Following the tradition that fairytales are not addressed to children with a happy ending where "everyone lived well and we even better", the 22 stories of Essa (at least most of them) are dark, sometimes violent, with an ending that is not so carefree, with dragons and wild beasts, with wounded and disoriented heroes.


The philosophical quests of the author, his introversion and generally his psychoanalytical searches are scattered in almost all of his stories. Death and loneliness, the passing and loss of time are a basic theme of his. But as black and spider-like as they may be, they still hold a ray of light inside them.


Since the "fairytales" cover a large time period (I was a child and an old man in one thing), and since they are presented in the book in this way (in chronological order), one can also catch the changes of Essa. Towards the end, he becomes more concise, more sarcastic, more pessimistic, perhaps also more mature. However, I loved the "immature" side of him. The first pieces were more interesting to me.


In conclusion, I liked them. We said they are not read all together, but there were times when I got tired. "Sintarta" continues to be the masterpiece. The translation is bingo! Beautiful! 3.5/5 is fair, but in the case of Essa, the half always goes in favor of the student.

July 15,2025
... Show More
These are truly lovely, charming, and at times, sad little tales.

Some of them even had the power to make me shed a tear.

I had a wonderful habit of reading these before going to bed and in the mornings while sipping my coffee.

The short story format really appealed to me as they neatly fit into my daily routine.

It's a bittersweet feeling to have finished this collection.

On one hand, I'm sad that it's over, but on the other hand, I really savored every single story in this little collection.

It's been a delightful journey filled with a range of emotions and I'm grateful to have discovered these charming tales.

I'll surely remember them for a long time to come.
July 15,2025
... Show More
The first three stories - amazing!

However, in the later parts of the book, it seemed to me that Hesse was only trying to maintain that mysterious/deep plot line at the expense of everything else.

On the other hand, it is quite a relaxing read that is perfect for trips on public transportation
July 15,2025
... Show More
Cute, fun and delightfully weird - these are the words that perfectly describe this collection of fairy tales.

I had high expectations from Hesse, and this book did not disappoint. It was a quick read filled with some truly odd little stories.

While some of the tales were a bit too strange for my liking and definitely not something I would share with my future children, overall, I still found great enjoyment in reading this.

It served as a wonderful in-between book, offering a much lighter and more entertaining read.

The unique and imaginative nature of these fairy tales made it a captivating experience.

Even though not every story was to my personal taste, I could still appreciate the creativity and charm that Hesse brought to each one.

This collection is definitely worth checking out for those who are looking for something a little different and offbeat in the world of fairy tales.

July 15,2025
... Show More
Hesse's remarkable talent for expressing eternal truths through uncomplicated prose is clearly evident even in the short story format.

Regarding the "fairy tales" aspect of the title, I suspect it might be a bit of a misnomer. In reality, this seems to be a compilation of short stories. While some do contain elements of fairy tales, the form is truly one-of-a-kind. It combines the classic fairy tale structure with more contemporary adaptations, perhaps similar to Gabriel Garcia Marquez's style, and also incorporates Hesse's own profound philosophies.

The book is replete with astonishing stories. Among my personal favorites are "The Dwarf," "The City," "Augustus," "The Poet," and "The Forest Dweller." Some of these stories take a broader look at society as a whole, while others zero in on the individual, demonstrating Hesse's adeptness at carefully examining both.

This is an outstanding collection of stories that not only showcases Hesse's intense search for the truth but also his remarkable ability to convey the sense of being "enraptured by all this beauty" in concise, yet eloquent and brilliant ways.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Download the fairy tale collection of Herman Hesse from this link.

You can click on the following address to access it:

http://goo.gl/XO2Dfp

Herman Hesse is a renowned author, and his fairy tales are filled with rich imagination and profound wisdom. By downloading this collection, you will have the opportunity to explore a world of magic and wonder. These stories can transport you to different realms, introduce you to unique characters, and inspire your creativity. Whether you are a fan of fairy tales or simply looking for a captivating read, this collection is sure to delight you. So don't miss out on this opportunity and click the link to download Herman Hesse's fairy tale collection today!
July 15,2025
... Show More
Some are more engaging than others,

though all are beautifully written.

My faves are: the dwarf,

the city,

strange news from another planet,

if the war continues,

the fairy tale about the wicker chair,

and iris!

Each of these has its own unique charm.

The dwarf might bring a sense of mystery and wonder.

The city could be a bustling and vibrant setting, full of life and stories.

Strange news from another planet piques our curiosity about the unknown.

If the war continues makes us think about the consequences of conflict.

The fairy tale about the wicker chair might have a touch of magic and romance.

And iris, perhaps, holds a special allure that is hard to define.

Together, these form a collection that is truly captivating.
July 15,2025
... Show More
The 22 stories that make up The Fairy Tales of Hermann Hesse cover a wide range. They go from more traditional "fairy tale" tales, to allegories, and then to somewhat abstract sketches.

These stories are not particularly interesting for children. However, anyone who has an appreciation for Hesse's longer works of fiction will discover a great deal to value here.

The stories are presented in the chronological order of their publication dates, which span from 1904 to 1918. On average, each story is about 10 pages long. This makes it easy to consume them in small, manageable portions.

The final story, (Iris), is especially excellent. It showcases the themes that are common in Hesse's finest writing. It offers a deeper exploration of his ideas and a more profound literary experience.

Overall, The Fairy Tales of Hermann Hesse provides a unique collection of stories that are sure to engage and delight fans of Hesse's work.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This is a wonderful book! Hesse reveals his thoughts and themes that he explores in other books, while also creating magical fairytale-like stories.

Together, they form beautiful nostalgic tales that delve into the perception of one's own identity, existence, and development.

The author's unique writing style draws the reader in and makes them feel as if they are part of the story.

Hesse's ability to blend deep philosophical ideas with engaging narratives is truly remarkable.

This book is not only a pleasure to read but also a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, philosophy, or simply a good story.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Stanley Kubrick's "Clockwork Orange" is a truly remarkable piece of art. In it, we see the protagonist purchasing a lolly pop and then using it to solicit sexy girly encounters, all while the multi-colored sucker adds a touch of strange allure.

For the parts that I did read, the novelist in his room, penning out his own existence as if he were a painter creating a vivid masterpiece, that sense of fulfillment he experiences is simply priceless. It's much like the feeling one gets when listening to Beethoven at incredibly high volumes, lying on his bed in his mother's house.

The least Hessian of Hesse's works is also the most exciting to me. There's something about its unique style and themes that draw me in and keep me engaged from start to finish. It's a work that challenges the mind and makes one think deeply about life, love, and the human condition.

Overall, these works of art have had a profound impact on me and have left a lasting impression.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Rating story collections is an extremely challenging task.

Some story collections I have encountered have truly been a source of great joy and have enriched my reading experience in a profound way. The stories within them were captivating, well-written, and had the power to transport me to different worlds and make me feel a wide range of emotions.

However, on the other hand, there are also some story collections that have left me with rather questionable feelings. The stories might have lacked coherence, or the writing style might not have appealed to me. Some might have had plots that were either too predictable or too convoluted to follow.

In conclusion, while some story collections can be a literary gem, others can be a bit of a disappointment, making it difficult to rate them objectively.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This is a truly trippy collection of tales that takes the reader on a wild and unpredictable journey. As I delved into some of the stories, I couldn't help but wonder if Hesse himself was under the influence of LSD. "A Dream Sequence" read like a set of lyrics that Jim Morrison might have penned, filled with vivid imagery and a sense of otherworldliness.


Needless to say, I found myself scratching my head at the meaning behind some of the stories. Perhaps Hesse's philosophies are simply too abstract for my limited understanding. However, there were several that I did manage to enjoy.


"Iris" was a touching story that tugged at the heartstrings. "The Forest Dweller" reminded me of sufism and the importance of breaking free from the dogmas of organized religion. "The European" was a snide take on supremacist white Europeans by a European writer, which I found both refreshing and thought-provoking. "The Fairy Tale About the Wicker Chair" was charming and "Faldum" was an interesting story, even if it didn't seem to have a clear moral or punchline. And finally, "The Empire" added another layer of depth to this already fascinating collection.


Overall, while I may not have fully grasped the meaning of every story, I can appreciate the creativity and artistry that went into their creation.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.