Who likes the prose by thomas bernhard?

3 Comments

I am asking this question about Thomas Bernhard because I have found many of his books quite special in certain ways. I have read mainly his prose, everything which was translated into my language (more than ten novels plus short prose). I had the opportunity to read mainly his prose, that´s why I specify my question with regard to prose. As for his drama / plays or poems, I haven´t read enough of it to be able to consider myself acquainted with this part of his work but comments about his plays are certainly welcome, too. This writer has a special place in my life, so I am curious about the attitudes of people around the world to his work and their impressions. (Not that it could change mine:)

I have heard of him but it´s not my cup of tea 0
I have read some of his books and I liked them 0
I haven´t heard about this writer 14
I love his books and they mean a lot to me 1
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Comments ( 3 )
  • dappled
    11 years ago

    I read Correction about the same time I was reading a lot of Kafka. I liked both, and Bernhard and Kafka seemed similar to me. But (and I swear this is true) the oppressiveness (of Kafka, in particular) started to make me depressed and withdrawn. I read "The Trial" and it really affected me badly. For my own sanity, I don't go near either author any more, but I do appreciate them.

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    • prasatko
      11 years ago

      (I´m the original poster). Thanks for commenting. Kafka is another excellent author who played a significant role in my life as well. I observed quite a paradoxical effect - the more Kafka and Bernhard I read, the less depressed I felt. So it seems that depressing books seem to reduce my own depressive symptoms to certain degree. It might be said also about other things (music, visual art, people...). But these works certainly contribute to forming a personal paradigm through which you start to see and interprete different things around you.

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      • dappled
        11 years ago

        Ahh, you're welcome. That's how I felt at first with Kafka. The Metamorphosis made me feel like I wasn't alone. But The Trial really swept me along and I felt as trapped and helpless as the proponent. What happened at the end was almost a relief. He's a very powerful writer to have had such an effect on me.

        I might try Bernhard again one day. I've picked up a few of his books and I like his ideas. I don't think he gets the credit he deserves.

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