Nutcracker and Mouse King

by E.T.A. Hoffmann

This timeless classic weaves a captivating tale of magic, adventure, and holiday wonder. Join Clara on her journey through a fantastical realm, where toys come to life and battles unfold.- Experience the beloved story that inspired Tchaikovsky's iconic ballet, a cherished part of Christmas traditions worldwide.- Hoffmann's imaginative narrative introduces readers to a world where dreams and reality collide, making it a compelling read for all ages.- Hoffmann's exceptional storytelling skill and rich prose make this book a masterpiece of fantasy literature.- A perfect gift for collectors and enthusiasts of classic literature, this edition is a valuable addition to any library.- Share the timeless magic of this book with loved ones and create cherished memories.

87 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2023

About the author

Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann, better known by his pen name E. T. A. Hoffmann (Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann), was a German Romantic author of fantasy and horror, a jurist, composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist. His stories form the basis of Jacques Offenbach's famous opera The Tales of Hoffmann, in which Hoffman appears (heavily fictionalized) as the hero. He is also the author of the novella The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, on which the famous ballet The Nutcracker is based. The ballet Coppélia is based on two other stories that Hoffmann wrote, while Schumann's Kreisleriana is based on Hoffmann's character Johannes Kreisler.

Hoffmann's stories were very influential during the 19th century, and he is one of the major authors of the Romantic movement.

Reviews

[Pallavi Shukla · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an adventurous fantasy written in vibrant descriptions that make this Christmas story a thrilling adventure. It is unique because it occurs in the real world, and not a fairy-tale. The novel is realistic and depicts the realities of messiness of life in that, people are not either good or bad but rather complex!

Your analysis of the human experience is tragic and deep. The story touches upon the problem of moral ambiguity and makes it more complex by revealing that individuals might be good and bad simultaneously!

This subtle point of view is able to provide a realistic view of life, as the characters have complex motives and behavior, whose motives and actions can be interpreted. This complexity is well portrayed through the skill with which the story is written showing how thoughtful and introspective the story is!

There is a strange and fantastic atmosphere of the story. The weird and spooky facts are successful, and I appreciate the fact that it does not follow the usual Christmas storyline. It is more of a little adventure that draws you into it full of magic and action. I am able to imagine children who are excited with the swashbuckling mice and the bravery of the Nutcracker, in a world of sweets. The initial three quarters is serious, and the conclusion is playful. It was a fast and pleasant read and I read it after watching the new Nutcracker movie by Disney which I enjoyed more than the book!

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I visited The Vine (NT) at the end of their 2023 Christmas season. They had tableaux set out in the rooms depicting scenes from The Nutcracker ballet. I asked a guide what was the origin of the story, but she did not know. Google came to the rescue with the information that the ballet was loosely based on this German children's story. I have seen the ballet several times and not really understood the "plot". Having now read the original, loosely is accurate and "plot" is weird. It is a children's story and is written to be read out loud.

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this audiobook and it was highly entertaining. The full cast made this very easy to get lost in each scene. The Nutcracker is absolutely an unforgettable tale and just perfect as we approach the holiday season.