Customer Reviews

Rhapsody: A Dream Novel

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Rhapsody is a quick read and one that creates an aura of delightful anticipation at a rapidly accelerating rate. I found a copy at a local University library-a tiny volume printed in 1927 by Alfred Knopf. I am a diehard Kubrick fan and was thrilled as I turned each page and recognized many scenes seen in the Eyes Wide Shut promo. Leelee Sobrieski's film character in the carnival shop must be the somewhat deranged adolescent kept by the sinister costumer. (This character is never thoroughly explained- indeed this level of teasing ambiguity is what makes Schnitzler's narrative so compelling.) After all the hullabaloo concerning the "supposed" cross-dressing and drug-use in the film, I was pleased to find that Rhapsody is all dark undercurrent and dancing shadows. There are real moments of danger and sexual angst to be sure, but it's so subtle it hurts. The original title Dream Novel is apt- the protagonist's adventures happen within the space of night and the following day. As he journeys through the town in the afternoon glare he begins to doubt that any of the peculiar and frightening things he's been a part of could actually have happened. He strives to understand his relationship to these experiences in a rational way- to no avail. Get the book! It's scintillating and sharp leaving lots to the imagination and plenty of leeway to interpret the characters motives.

"Traumnovelle" is a fine novella which masterfully employs the epic mythological structure to send it's main character Froidlin on a psychosexual odyssey. The character struggles with an attempt to engage in meaningless sexual debauchery in order to cuckold his wife. He finds, however that he can not divorce himself emotionally from sexual activity. Schnitzler is a masterful hand at creating an adult fairy tale the moral of which remains poignant today.

Die Traumnovelle is a psychological novel (in fact Schnitzel and Freud were often in touch) who deals with the need for transgression. The two main characters, married, get bored with their everyday life and routine and so they start longing for what I'd call "adventure". But eventually, they understand that adventure isn't what we really want, it's just a temptation and once we satisfy it, it seems much less exciting than we thought. In fact what the two characters really want is exactly their everyday life and eventually they get back to it... I'm sorry, I could have explained this a lot better in Italian ;-)

Like everyone else, I imagine I felt driven to acquire and read this book in the name of the forthcoming Stanley Kubrick movie. To hear such a genius refer so highly to a single work instills a deep desire to see for yourself. After finally landing a copy (without tossing too much from the old wallet), I completed the book in a near single sitting. Schnitzler's Rhapsody mesmerizes. He deftly tapped into the hidden desires and uncontrollable urges, thoughts and desires of us all. To want what we do not have; and when (or if) we seek that which is at most times forbidden - we find ourselves in an often worse position - showing us the damaging course our libidos and dark halves will send us upon. I found myself often times reading with a nervous, yet libidinously charged smile - feeling both the exhillaration and the utmost despair and hatred. The story of Fridolin is the experience which we all are capable of. It is indeed Rhapsody. A mere 5 stars is not enough for this tryst.

A strange, compelling fantasy about the ultimate unknowability of those we love.

I first read this book because I heard it was the bases for the new Stanly Kubrick movie. I have to sayI was very impressed. It fully explored the psycho sexual portion of the human psychie. I can nit waint for the movie.

first off this is a penguin 20th century classics edition i'm reviewing (just released) translated by j.m.q. davies. i'm unsure if this is even available outside canada or the uk.

it's probably an unfair comparison, but i'm reminded of ishiguro's ultimate nightmare-novel "the unconsoled"... with a much more terse style. everything is done in such economy but there's layers of creepy menace here that deserve slow, careful reading.

»Traumnovelle« is the book on which the fantastic movie »Eyes Wide Shut« is based. It is written as early as in 1926, and it does not take place in New York but in Vienna.

A VERY beautifully written short story which is much more a poetic dream journey than an erotic story. Very interesting book!

This was a book chosen for book club for a study of books that have been turned into films.