While this book took me a long time to read, that's more because of events in my life than because of the quality of this dark and tragic book. True tragedy, in fact, rather than lamentable, piteous, or horrific, though all of those are present as well.

Being of German descent, though American from generations prior to even the defensible First World War, it was enlightening to see what a German felt about both of those wars. I learned much of this from the narrator of this book.

Also, I learned much and more of music in the "classical" form. The author himself must know much about music theory.

The author can make us feel so much so quickly. Consider the two chapters on little Echo. I won't spoil anything, but the telling is masterful.

I really enjoy how the narrator repeatedly mentions that he is not writing a novel but a biography. This does make the book feel as if these events come from the true. Adrain feels a part of reality, of history.

If I were to essay about this book, I would speak of the allegory, how Adrian's life is a parallel with the history of Germany. I find a wealth of similarities that I could turn into s worthy essay.

I must read a bit more Thomas Mann, though perhaps something a bit less weighty next time.