A Profound Writer, Definitely Worth Reading.
Written: Mar 07 '04 (Updated Mar 11 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beautiful writing and an important collection of ideas.
Cons: None.
The Bottom Line: An honest look at how it is to live as part of society and yet outside of it.
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| Abraxmed's Full Review: Rainer Maria Rilke and Franz Xaver Kappus - Letter... |
This book is amongst the growing volumes that were forced upon me by my mother. Herself being of liberal faith, and spirituality, she tends to delve into topics, such as these, far more regularly than I. Now after repeated pestering I finally picked the book up. I took solace in the fact that the book was short and the pain could only last so long. I tend to be cynical about her choices, though for the most part I tend to enjoy the books.
The premise of the book is that a young military officer writes Rilke. He did this because they went to the same academy, one that Rilke dropped out of for various reasons. The officer happens to be a poet and questions Rilke for his opinion. Rilke responds by saying, in much more profound words, that literary analysis is worthless. He goes on to say that if you can live without writing than don't. If you can not live without writing you must give yourself to it completely. All statements I agree with.
The book is as much about living as it is about writing. It follows only Rilke's responses to the officer's letters. They are usually started off by Rilke apologizing for not writing sooner. This is usually caused by either a sickness or depression or both. I enjoyed that detail due to the fact that Rilke gives advice to the officer on not being depressed. But he also admits that though he might be farther along the path he is on it. This only one example Rilke's beautiful character and personality coming through his letters. Though I have not read very much of his poetry, his writing shows the ability to capture exactly where he is at the moment. He is very honest, caring, compassionate and wise.
The actual tips on writing are very general and somewhat rare. They are more tips on life than actual critical writing skills. As far as a writing aid any college creative writing class will teach you what is in the book. But Rilke goes about it almost indirectly. Saying if you don't have anything to write about you are empty, not the world around you. There is nature, the past and any number of things to write about. This connects with the philosophical ideals that if your life feels empty it is because you are empty. Thus if you look in the right places, the right way, you will find what you are looking for.
This is obviously a short review due, mostly, to the fact that the book is very short. I wouldn't say the book is inspirational, but it is inspiring. Rilke offers very solid advice on how to live a centered life. He takes a view point that he doesn't pretend to know it all. A view point that makes me more willing to listen. He writes beautifully to the point of not wanting the book to end. Ironic that the size was what allowed me to read it in the first place. If you know someone who is dark and moody this could be a good book for them. It recognizes that people are alone in the world and doesn't offer any easy ten cent fixes. It does state that you aren't alone, people have been like this before you and will be after, and it gives advice on how to better your perspective without giving up who you are. To me these are all important aspects. We may be alone in our world, but we are not alone in our thoughts.
Due to the comment that was posted I have decided to add a little to this post. Perhaps some of the people who like to rate low due to length will be a little more appeased now. A quote(I believe it is a quote, quotations I believe are verbal, feel free to correct me on that though) from the book, by Rilke, "We are unutterably alone, essentially, especially in the things most intimate and most important to us." How cheerful and lovely. But yet the truth can't be denied. When speaking of this that matter most to the speaker the one who listens gets more and more left out. The personal is personal for a reason, it is for them and no other. Thus when dealing with what is most important there is no one else to share it with. Sad thoughts, but just because something is sad doesn't mean it is to be avoided. This is the tone of the book, truth, not inspiration. The truth is inspirational, but only as a reaction not as the action.
About Rilke, well I am happy to steal the info from the about the author page in the book. I suppose it isn't stealing since I am giving credit, but I like to call it that anyway. He was born in 1875 in Czechoslovakia(probably the hardest name of a country to spell I can think of) and died in France in 1926. He married and had a daughter. Other than that I don't know that much, just that he traveled across Europe a lot. I hope this is enough information and random word placement to satisfy everyone. Until next time!
Recommended:
Yes
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Abraxmed
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Member: Abraxmed
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Reviews written: 78
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