This is a collection of Hesse’s short stories, and it was truly fascinating for me. Up until this point, I had only read his novels. The issue is that Hesse has such an extraordinary writing style. Even though these stories don't seem to be directly related to each other, it still gave the impression of reading a novel.

But perhaps, they do have some connection. They are all fairy tales and fables, or at least the Hessian equivalents. While I'm not typically fond of that kind of thing, Hesse executed it masterfully with his signature brand of surrealism.

I discovered from the introduction that Hesse had aspired to be a magician when he grew up. And I would say that this book demonstrates that he achieved just that. There are numerous authors whose works I desire to read in their entirety. However, Hesse is the only one I can think of where, after reading his books, I'm always left pondering what I actually just read.

Nevertheless, as far as Hesse's works go, these short stories are quite understandable. In fact, I think I might even prefer his short fiction to his longer-form pieces. It's really nice!

Some are truly great, while others are not quite up to par.

There are those remarkable individuals, ideas, or things that stand out and leave a lasting impression. They shine brightly in their respective fields, achieving extraordinary feats and inspiring others.

However, not everything can reach such lofty heights. There are those that may fall short, lacking the necessary qualities or perhaps facing insurmountable challenges.

But even in the midst of this contrast, there is value to be found. The great ones serve as beacons, guiding us towards excellence. And the not so great can teach us valuable lessons, helping us to avoid pitfalls and improve.

In the end, it is this diversity that makes the world interesting and full of possibilities. We should strive to recognize the great and learn from the not so great, using both to fuel our own growth and progress.

An excellent collection of short stories awaits the reader.

Most of the stories within this collection are written almost as enchanting fairy tales. Take, for instance, the title story "Pictor's Metamorphoses", which Hesse penned for the woman who would later become his second wife.

Among the tales, my personal favorites stand out. There is "King Yu", a captivating narrative about a Chinese king. This king had a series of magnificent towers constructed that extended for miles. Each tower was equipped with a powerful drum. The plan was that if an enemy army drew near, the drum would be beaten, thus alerting the king's troops well before the enemy could get close. However, to amuse his wife, the king had the alarm sounded falsely. The troops, believing an attack was imminent, rushed in from far away only to discover it was a baseless alarm. The generals were infuriated and vowed never to respond to the alarm again. Predictably, when the enemy learned of this, they launched an attack with disastrous consequences for the king.

Another story that caught my fancy was "Report from Normalia". In this tale, an insane asylum kept expanding until it reached the size of a nation. I have a suspicion that this might be a metaphor for the rise of Germany under the Nazi regime.

Hesse's writing is nothing short of spectacular. His literary prowess shines through every page, and truly, I wouldn't anticipate anything less from such a talented author.

I have truly relished several of Hesse's novels, which eventually led me to "Pictor’s Metamorphoses and Other Fantasies", even though I'm not overly fond of short stories. Hesse's distinct style is vividly present in each of the stories within this collection. However, some pieces such as "Lulu" are a bit demanding and might necessitate a second reading.

Out of the nineteen stories in this compilation, two have left an unforgettable mark on me. "Bird" is a tale about a magical bird that is exclusive to a small town. It details the difficulties that the townspeople encounter when a bounty is set on the bird's head.

And "Report from Normalia" is a story of a utopian society that emerged from an insane asylum. This story presents a fascinating exploration of an alternative world that challenges our conventional notions of normality and insanity.

Overall, while some of the stories in this collection may require a bit more effort to fully appreciate, they offer a unique and engaging reading experience that is characteristic of Hesse's literary genius.

This is a truly disappointing collection of short stories from one of my all-time favorite authors.

To my great dismay, not a single story within this collection managed to grab my attention or hold my interest.

I had such high expectations, given the author's previous works that had always left me in awe. However, this time around, it seems that something has gone amiss.

The stories lack the depth, the creativity, and the engaging qualities that I have come to associate with this author.

It's as if they were written in a hurry, without much thought or care put into them.

I can't help but feel a sense of sadness and disappointment.

Perhaps this is just a blip in the author's career, and I hope that they will soon return to their former glory and produce works that will once again captivate and inspire readers like myself.

But for now, this collection of shorts is a definite let-down.

I was completely prepared to prematurely award this collection five stars immediately after I completed reading "The Man of the Forests." However, as I delved further into the later stories, I found them to be rather dense.

Some of the stories seemed to read like mere entries from Hesse's journal. There is likely a great deal more to uncover and understand than I initially realized upon my first reading.

Nonetheless, during this particular reading, it was the short fables and parables in the first half of the book that truly made it stand out for me.

Overall, this collection is definitely worth the read. Some of the stories are witty, like "The Merman," while others are poignant, such as "Three Lindens."

Most of the stories utilize really simple yet vibrant imagery, which adds to their charm. The first story is a little long and rather bizarre, ending with a scene that could have been straight out of a Lynch film.

But once you manage to get through that initial story, the reading experience becomes fairly smooth sailing.

It's a collection that offers a diverse range of stories, each with its own unique flavor and message.

Some of Hesse's novels are truly remarkable and of high quality.

Therefore, I was rather disappointed when I came across this collection which consists mostly of short works of fantasy or fairy tale.

However, there are exceptions within this collection. For instance, "King Yu", which is a sort of variation on "Boy who Cried Wolf", is quite engaging.

The story has its own unique charm and twists that keep the reader interested.

Similarly, "Bird", also a late work of Hesse, is also very good.

It presents a different kind of fantasy world with its own set of characters and adventures.

Despite the initial disappointment, these two particular works manage to salvage some of the value of the collection and showcase Hesse's talent in creating engaging and imaginative stories even within the short format.

Overall, while the collection may not be as strong as some of Hesse's other works, it still has its亮点 that are worth exploring.

Fabulous in the true sense of the word.

This book is truly remarkable. It is not just an ordinary piece of literature but something that has the power to captivate and inspire.

I find myself returning to it again and again for refreshment. Each time I open its pages, it's like embarking on a new adventure.

The words seem to dance off the page, painting vivid pictures in my mind. The story is so engaging that I can't put it down.

It has become a source of comfort and inspiration for me. Whenever I need a break from the chaos of the world, I turn to this book.

It rejuvenates my spirit and gives me a new perspective on life. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a truly fabulous read.

I was surprisingly non-plussed by most of these stories. Even the titular tale, Pictor's Metamorphoses, seemed unremarkable. There are a few great bits in here, however.

"Hannes" is the tale of a man who was always thought to be mentally handicapped and is therefore ridiculed. As a result, he prefers the company of animals. This allows him to retain his capacity to interact directly with the animate earth - not just with the sheep and cows he tends, but with the clouds, the rivers, and the rocks. Without giving too much away, the townspeople soon come to learn that his lifestyle has given him an unusually peace and kindness. Consequently, he is able to help them overcome personal strife.

The Wicker Chair story is also cute and quite nice. It has a certain charm that makes it enjoyable to read. The characters and the setting are well-described, and the plot is engaging. Overall, it is a pleasant addition to the collection of stories.

Although some of the stories may not have been as captivating as I had hoped, there were still a few gems that made the reading experience worthwhile.

Hermann Hesse has a great fondness for painters and birds. In my opinion, this collection of stories is neither a rare bird nor an arresting painting. However, just like all birds and paintings, it has its own uniqueness and is worthy of our careful observation.

Each story within this collection is like a small world, filled with the author's profound thoughts and emotions. Although it may not possess the flamboyance and rarity of a precious bird or the stunning beauty of a remarkable painting, it has its own charm and value.

We can explore the various themes and ideas presented in these stories, and gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and the world around us. Just as we might observe a bird in its natural habitat or study a painting in a gallery, we can take our time to appreciate the details and nuances of this story collection.

In conclusion, while this collection may not immediately catch our attention like a rare bird or a captivating painting, it is still a work that deserves our attention and exploration.

Peter Kamenzind... That's how I remember this book.

It tells the story of Siddhartha, who is deeply immersed in art and the countryside paradise that is Kamenzind.

Siddhartha finds solace and inspiration in the beauty of nature and the creative pursuits that consume him.

The book takes us on a journey through his experiences, showing us the joys and challenges he faces along the way.

We see him grow and evolve as he explores the depths of his own creativity and discovers the true meaning of life in the idyllic setting of Kamenzind.

It's a captivating tale that reminds us of the importance of finding our own passions and following them with dedication and love.

Peter Kamenzind is a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

Andrei Bely's short stories offer a unique and captivating exploration of the human psyche and the mysteries of life. "He longed only for the feeling of that vibration, that power current, that secret intimacy, in which he himself would be annihilated and perish, would die and be reborn... made life bearable, brought something like meaning to it, transfigured and redeemed it" as described in "The Painter". This profound longing for a transformative experience is a recurring theme in his works.

Among the short stories, the best ones include "The Man of the Forests", "The Dream of the Gods", "The Painter", "Pictor's Metamorphoses", "Nocturnal Games", and "Christmas with Two Children's Stories". These tales are rich in symbolism and psychological depth, inviting readers to delve into the complex emotions and thoughts of the characters.

However, a couple of the stories felt incomplete. It was as if the author had left some loose ends or未能 fully develop certain aspects of the plot. Nevertheless, this did not detract from the overall beauty and impact of Bely's work. His unique writing style and ability to create a vivid and atmospheric world make his short stories a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the boundaries of human experience.