De Toverberg

How does one go about writing a review of a book like “The Magic Mountain” by Thomas Mann? The plot can be summarized in a single sentence, yet the book is so rich in themes that a single reading is far from sufficient to grasp everything. At least, that was my experience.

Hans Kastorp embarks on a journey to a sanatorium in the Alps to visit his cousin and, in the process, take a brief respite. The initial plan is a three-week stay, but he ends up remaining for seven years. That's the story.

My German is not proficient enough to tackle this book in its original language, so I opted for the exquisite Dutch translation by Hans Driessen. Thomas Mann is verbose and employs, at times, very long sentences. This demands attention to avoid losing track midway through, but once acclimated, it is truly magnificent.

As Hans Kastorp travels to the sanatorium, the metaphorical umbilical cord connecting him to the world below is severed. Time is experienced differently above than below. Though initially deeming a three-week stay lengthy, above, they measure time in months. Time, its measurement, the perception of time, and the relationship between time and space are some of the initial themes encountered in the book.

The narrative begins by recounting Hans's background, detailing the early deaths of his parents and subsequently his grandfather. The philosophy of Platonic reality is interwoven into his grandfather's story.

Above, Hans encounters various people who influence and shape him in different ways. Among them are Madame Chauchat, a Russian woman he falls in love with, and Settembrini, a humanist and Freemason who takes him under his wing. Later, Settembrini's adversary is introduced in the form of a communist Jesuit, Naphta. The debates between Settembrini and Naphta form the heart of the book. Settembrini advocates for individual freedom, progress, and democracy, even if achieved through war or revolution. In contrast, Naphta supports a blend of communism and theocracy, arguing that progress and individualism distract from God and spiritual salvation. Both strive to educate and influence Hans, who contemplates their views but never firmly aligns with either side.

The third person who leaves a profound impression on Hans is Pieter Peeperkorn, a Dutch industrialist who made a fortune in the Dutch East Indies. He exudes natural leadership qualities and represents emotion, feeling, materialism, and indulgence.

Mann creates a micro-society isolated from the world below, mainly populated by the sick. The status of illness and being sick is, therefore, another theme. Is being sick a virtue, or is it merely another state of existence? According to Hans Kastorp, the society below no longer exists, evident in his disinterest in current affairs and abandonment of newspaper reading. This stands in stark contrast to his cousin Joachim, who aspires to become an officer in the army.

The book concludes abruptly, reflecting the harsh reality of the world below with the outbreak of World War I. Mann leaves the reader uncertain about Hans Kastorp's fate.

This is undoubtedly not an easy book. It's like an avalanche, overwhelming you, and at the end, you find yourself wondering what just happened. I can only recommend everyone to read it at least once.