The novel Buddenbrooks leads us through a four-generation story of a family , well-established in Lübeck ; it could be an autobiography of Thomas Mann ’ s family , because of the many similarities . His style is calm , rich in descriptions , so that we can get to know all the traditions in Germany at that time .
— Tanés H .
Buddenbrooks was a thoroughly satisfying read . Like a ship on a rolling sea , this masterpiece swept me along , at times tossed me around , immersed me completely , and left me wishing for more .
— Paola B .
Buddenbrooks details how each family member ’ s big life decisions on marriage , career , and education were influenced by expectation , obligation , and tradition . The dire consequences of those decisions set in motion a sobering family story .
— WangDi S .
They are very different books about the life of the same man but from absolutely different angles ; a great decision to read them one after the other .
— Tanés H .
Our Reviews
The Magician was a great approach to Thomas Mann ’ s life . Toibin opened a door which was always there , but no one has had the courage to open it and show us the real Thomas Mann . He was a distant father and a workaholic . The eldest children , Klaus and Katia , were ( rebellious ) and independent , knowing the power of wealth which they used with all sorts of liberties in society . Katia , the wife , was a very intelligent women who comprehended his homosexual desires . A great way of treating the life of a well-known writer .
— Tanés H .
Reading The Magician and Buddenbrooks in succession gave us a fabulous chance to explore and discuss the world of Thomas Mann — separately , both books were great reads , but even more relevant when read together .
— Sara N .
My first personal encounter with Thomas Mann and his works — embarrassing after living here for so long . The Magician was a great introduction to the man and Buddenbrooks showed his genius . Fantastic !
— Carol H .
The Magician By Colm Toibin , 2021
The Magician is a fictionalized biography of Thomas Mann ( 1875 – 1955 ). It draws from Thomas Mann ’ s diaries , published posthumously starting in 1975 ; writings of the Mann family ; and some of the many biographies of Mann . The diaries revealed Mann ’ s sexual interest in men , which was long suspected but not public , and led to a reappraisal of Mann — less driven by protocol and vanity , more human . Toibin further humanizes Mann and gives a compelling portrayal of Mann based on fact and fiction .
The novel opens in 1891 in Lübeck . Mann is 16 years old and a member of a well-to-do merchant family that loses its wealth and influence . Mann is forced to apprentice in business but doesn ’ t give up on his artistic desires . At age 25 , he published his widely acclaimed novel Buddenbrooks : Decline of a Family ,
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