BOOK BRIEF

Gertrude

Hermann Hesse
Guide cover placeholder

Gertrude

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Hermann Hesse

Gertrude

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Europe • Early 20th century

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Gertrude by Hermann Hesse, a musician named Kuhn reflects on his life and relationships, particularly with two influential figures: composer Heinrich Muoth and Gertrude, a woman he loves. The story explores themes of art, love, and the complexities of human connections within their lives and careers.

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.0

7,354 ratings

69%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Gertrude by Hermann Hesse is acclaimed for its introspective exploration of art and love, marked by Hesse's lyrical prose. The novel's character development and philosophical depth are praised, though some critics find its pacing sluggish and the narrative less engaging compared to Hesse's other works. Overall, it offers a profound, albeit slow, examination of human emotion.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Gertrude?

A reader who enjoys psychological depth, introspection, and the exploration of love and suffering will appreciate Hermann Hesse's Gertrude. Fans of Thomas Mann's Death in Venice or Knut Hamsun's Hunger will find similar thematic explorations of art, isolation, and human emotions.

4.0

7,354 ratings

69%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Europe • Early 20th century

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!