The Assistant
The Assistant
Book Brief
Beta320
Novel • Fiction
Switzerland • Early 20th century
2007
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Assistant by Robert Walser, a young man becomes an assistant to an inventor facing financial struggles. He navigates complex relationships with the inventor’s family and reflects on his own aspirations and societal roles. The narrative explores themes of individuality, ambition, and human interaction within a modest entrepreneurial setting.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Serene
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
1,647 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Assistant by Robert Walser is celebrated for its lyrical prose and insightful character exploration. Readers appreciate the novel's subtle humor and keen observation of societal norms. However, some find its pacing slow. Overall, Walser’s work is a reflective and poignant narrative that offers a rich portrait of human frailty and ambition.
Who Should Read The Assistant?
A reader who enjoys The Assistant by Robert Walser likely appreciates introspective narratives, existential themes, and detailed character studies. Fans of Franz Kafka's The Trial or Thomas Bernhard's Concrete may find similar satisfaction in Walser's exploration of human frailty and societal roles.
1,647 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Assistant is inspired by Robert Walser's own experiences working as a clerk for an inventor, showcasing his ability to infuse his personal life into his writing with vivid detail.
The novel was originally published in 1908 and reflects the early 20th-century societal changes in Switzerland, subtly capturing the nuances of a country straddling tradition and modernity.
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Robert Walser's unique narrative style in The Assistant is often seen as a precursor to modernist and existentialist literature, influencing writers like Franz Kafka and Herman Hesse.
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320
Novel • Fiction
Switzerland • Early 20th century
2007
Adult
18+ years
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