[jesusofsuburbia]

War and peace by Tolstoi.

It made me aware that someone as successful and powerful as Napoleon himself was by a large extent only a product of the people and the mood at the time. What I mean is that it wasn't him who inspired the people; it rather was just the Zeitgeist he was the perfect person for. I'm not a native speaker and can't really put it into words, but it completely changed my view of the amount of influence we really can have in this world, and how much we are a product of our time.

Narziß und Goldmund by Hesse.

Again a lack of words from my side. Whoever is looking for meaning in life should read this book. The last sentence of this book is (at least in German) the literary most perfect and awakening phrase I've ever read. I couldn't sleep for days afterwards.

[sramsay]

War and Peace came immediately to mind for me as well, but mostly because I do not think I have ever read a more magnificent novel.

I'm a literature professor, and in academic literary study, we don't spend a lot of time talking about which books are "better" than others. But personally? I'll just never get over that one.

I suppose I'd have to add Aeschylus' The Oresteia (the oldest of the ancient Greek tragedies we possess, and the only complete trilogy). I was a truly terrible high school student, who I think just barely got into college. Reading The Oresteia as a freshman made me decide that one way or another, I would have to figure out how to read and study literature for the rest of my life.

[asdffdsa]

I'm about halfway through "War and Peace" right now, and am amazed at how much life Tolstoy packs into the book. So many amazing scenes, and pithy characters. What's striking me now is both the characters' greatness mixed with their weakness. There's something to me inexplicable about my admiration of Pierre, Natasha, Count Rostov etc., but interesting how as the book continues their faults are revealed. Also, the timeless conflicts/themes/impetus of money, politics/social hierarchies or groups, marriage, etc.

[voldacar]

I'd love to know some of the things you find interesting or meaningful about the Oresteia - I read it as a freshman in college and was never particularly impressed, but these days I'm becoming more and more interested in revisiting ancient literature. What about it left such a mark on you?

[bloodorange]

I read it in English as "Narcissus and Goldmund". The subject at the core of this book is very dear to me and it really moved me and like you, I was affected for a long time. I give away all the good books to friends saying "You must read this, it's excellent!" and thus I no longer have my copy. I must read it again.

By the way, if by some chance, there is a big overlap in our tastes, I recommend the fictional work called "Loving Vincent". It's a "moving painting" rather than a "movie".