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Beware of Pity

By Stefan Zweig
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Beware of Pity by Stefan Zweig is a psychological exploration of the emotions and consequences that arise when a young lieutenant, Hofmiller, inadvertently entangles himself in the life of a woman suffering from paralysis. Set in pre-World War I Austria, the story delves deeply into themes of compassion, guilt, and the intricate dynamics of human relationships as Hofmiller grapples with his sense of duty and the unintended outcomes of his actions. The narrative masterfully captures the tension between societal expectations and personal emotions.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate exploring the complexities of human emotions, particularly guilt and compassion. Its rich character development and deep psychological insights provide a compelling narrative that delves into the consequences of misguided pity and moral dilemmas, making it perfect for readers who enjoy introspective and thought-provoking stories.

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Beware of Pity

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The only novel written by one of the most popular writers of the twentieth century.

Zweig's fictional masterpiece - The Guardian

'An intoxicating, morally shaking read... A real reminder of what fiction can do best' - Ali Smith

'It's just a masterpiece. When I read it I thought, how is it that I don't already know about this?' - Wes Anderson

In 1913, young second lieutenant Hofmiller discovers the terrible danger of pity. He had no idea the girl was lame when he asked her to dance—so begins a series of visits, motivated by pity, which relieve his guilt but give her a dangerous glimmer of hope.

Stefan Zweig's unforgettable novel is a devastating depiction of the betrayal of both honour and love, amid the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Beware of Pity by Stefan Zweig is widely praised as a masterpiece, with reviewers highlighting its emotional depth and gripping narrative. Wes Anderson and The Guardian have both lauded the novel's brilliance, while Shira Haas noted its profound emotional impact. Ali Smith described it as an intoxicating read that explores human responsibilities, and Julie Kavanagh emphasised its tense exploration of emotional blackmail, making it a transformative experience for readers.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781805330226

Publisher: Pushkin Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 August 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Pushkin Press Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Anthea Bell
  • Introduction by Nicholas Lezard
  • Translated by Anthea Bell

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 464

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Stefan Zweig

About the Author

Stefan Zweig (1881-1942) was born in Vienna, into a wealthy Austrian-Jewish family. He studied in Berlin and Vienna and was first known as a poet and translator, then as a biographer. Zweig travelled widely, living in Salzburg between the wars, and was an international bestseller with a string of hugely popular novellas including Letter from an Unknown Woman, Amok and Fear. In 1934, with the rise of Nazism, he moved to London, where he wrote his only novel, Beware of Pity. He later moved on to Bath, taking British citizenship after the outbreak of the Second World War. After a short period in New York, Zweig settled in Brazil, where in 1942. He and his wife were found dead in an apparent double suicide. Much of his work is available from Pushkin Press.

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