In his Nußknacker und Mausekönig, E.T.A. Hoffmann created a portray of Christmas that includes familiar lore and that radiates with seasonal warmth. Yet, at least to my mind the fairy tale was surprisingly dark and not always easy to follow due to its complexity and almost surreal imagery articulated in very eloquent prose.

It's an example of what scholars call Kunstmärchen. Her curiosity and imagination leads our young heroine to discover a rivalry between the two titular characters, the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. On the surface it's the traditional battle of good vs. evil at one point memorably fought with their respective armies (and an unexpected climax in blood). But the encompassing narrative reveal more complex motives.

Not only is the quick turn of events absolutely enchanting, I loved how the child-loving Drosselmeyer indulges all of Marie's fantasies with rich inventions that outshine even his mechanical wonders. It's consciously ambiguous, and even though we want to see the Christmas miracles the story probably takes place in the little girl's head. I especially loved how the included fairy tale is interwoven with the discoveries already made in the narrative framework.

From what I've heard, theater adaptations of the material are quite popular. You can only applaud the effort to make this more accessible to children. However, I suspect the real magic of the prose will sadly evaporate.

Rating: 4/5