Die Stadt der träumenden Bücher

Zamonien #4

by Walter Moers

Als der Pate des jungen Dichters Hildegunst von Mythenmetz stirbt, hinterlässt er seinem Schützling nur wenig mehr als ein Manuskript. Dieses aber ist so makellos, dass Mythenmetz sich gezwungen sieht, dem Geheimnis seiner Herkunft nachzugehen. Die Spur führt nach Buchhaim, der Stadt der Träumenden Bücher. Als der Held sie betritt, ist es, als würde er die Tür zu einer gigantischen Buchhandlung aufreißen. Er riecht den Anflug von Säure, der an den Duft von Zitronenbäumen erinnert, das anregende Aroma von altem Leder und das scharfe, intelligente Parfüm von Druckerschwärze. Einmal in den Klauen dieser buchverrückten Stadt, wird Mythenmetz immer tiefer hineingesogen in ihre labyrinthische Welt, in der Lesen noch eine wirkliche Gefahr ist, in der rücksichtslose Bücherjäger nach bibliophilen Schätzen gieren, Buchlinge ihren Schabernack treiben und der mysteriöse Schattenkönig herrscht.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Books About Books, German Literature, Humor, Young Adult, Adventure

476 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2004

About the author

Walter Moers was born in 1957 and is a writer, cartoonist, painter and sculptor. He has refused to be photographed ever since his comic strips The Little Asshole and Adolf were published, the latter leading him to be declared persona non grata by the political right in Germany. Walter Moers lives in Hamburg.

Reviews

[Rozalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this is going to sound really silly, but this is the best book I've ever read. Please don't get distracted by all the illustrations and the fact that this is a fantasy novel; it is a timeless, mindblowing, deeply moving masterpiece filled with beautiful imaginary worlds and superior writing. It's a beautiful novel for people who love books and adventures, for daydreamers, idealists, optimists, people who haven't lost their hope, but also for pessimists and people with depression because I promise that this book will light up your world and thoughts for a while. You shouldn't underestimate the power of Walter Moers' words, he'll change your life. He has a beautiful, intelligent writing style and the story he tells (in fact, all the novels he's written about the imaginary continent Zamonia) will make you want to get cuddled up in bed with a cup of chocolate and a cinnamon roll and just enjoy every single page of this incredible reading adventure. I'm not lying when I say that Walter Moers is a genius.
I even filled 5 pages of my diary with quotes of this book, really. It's perfect.
I'll have to translate them for you guys because I wrote them down in German.

"When everything else is gone, we'll still have nature. It is almost an instinct that we leave the house and go out into the open air, outdoors, in our garden, with the leaves rustling and the stars shining down on us it gets easier to breathe - we can forget about the weight of the world on our shoulders. From the stars we came, to the stars we'll return. Life is just a journey to a place unknown."

"That's how I felt; I was music and danced in a burning circle, high above everything. Somewhere down there was the world, was my body, were my sorrows, but all that seemed to be completely irrelevant."

"I now understood the secret of music and knew what makes it so infinitely superior to all the other arts: its incorporeality. Once it has left an instrument it becomes its own master, a free and independent creature of sound, weightless, incorporeal and perfectly in tune with the universe."

"We all are immediate spawns of the earth; we once were dust, someday we'll turn into mold. Without cease we pass by, a parade of life, a cortège of evanescence."

"And I remembered my reflection in the mirror that I used to admire so much when I was a child, I remember the wish to be just like the person in the mirror looking back at me. Completely alone."

If this doesn't convince you to read this book, I don't know what will.

__________________________

Update: Reading this book for the 5th time now. Still absolutely stunned by Walter Moers' imagination. I WANT TO LIVE IN THIS BOOK.

[Kayla Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ein absolut grandioses, kreatives, humorvolles & doch ernstes Buch, welches jedmögliche Emotion in mir hervorgerufen hat. Walter Moers ist ein Genie 🙌🏻 Freue mich auf weitere seiner Werke.

[Cecily · Rating 4 out of 5]

What it Is

Walter Moers (and his excellent translator, John Brownjohn) love language, and that love permeates ever page, many times. Consequently, the book is a comic hymn to the power, beauty and fun of words, along with a more cautious love of books (which can provoke, or even be, evil). The books of the title are dreaming of being read, because that's what brings them to life.

Story and Setting

Optimus Yarnspinner comes from a city of authors and travels to Bookholm, a city of bookshops, trying to trace the author of the most perfectly written piece of writing he has ever encountered. (The fact he is a dinosaur is oddly irrelevant.)

Bookholm turns out to be a dangerous place, especially once he enters the enormous laryrinthian catacombs under the city. The sheer variety of bizarre creatures and experiences is startling, unless you're already familiar with Moers' work.

Weird Words and Ideas

A random collection of some of my favourite words and ideas:

* Bookshops are so specialised they include one for novels with insect protagonists, one for dwarves with blond beards and another for half-finished books.

* The "primal note" is the first officially recognised note and the basis for all Zamonian music.

* The acoustic alchemy of trombophones can induce mass hallucination and hypnosis.

* Booklings are little creatures each of whom memorises and takes on the character of one author (a little like Farenheit 451).

* Even the street entertainment and food are book-themed (juggling with books and book-shaped pastries); dancing with shadows is an antidote to loneliness.

* Boring books include Chimney-Sweeping for Advanced Students by Darko Lum, How to Comb a Chicken and An Encyclopedia of Wood Planing.

* Hair raising books include Where the Mummy Sings by Omar ben Shokka, A Handful of Staring Eyes by the Weirdwater Sisters and Skeletons in the Reeds by Hallucinea Krewel.

* Allegedly archaic words include spinking (speaking and stinking of garlic), ambivaliguous (when you can't make up your mind) and an abcedist is someone obsessed with putting things in alphabetical order (and not to be confused with a zyxedist).

Anagrams of the Famous

I noticed the quirky names, but was oblivious to the fact that many are anagrams of famous people, such as: Asdrel Chickens (Charles Dickens), Aliesha Wimperslake (William Shakespeare) and Trebor Snurb (Robert Burns).

More here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_City...

But

But it's not all perfect. There is a clichéd moment when a baddie explains his evil plan (a la James Bond etc) and when Yarnspinner eventually finds the author, he (the author) speaks in a rather simple and banal way, which is strange.

Another problem is that much as I enjoyed it, this book feels too long. The 13½ Lives of Captain Bluebear was a similar length, set in a similar world, but that story was more episodic, so it worked better. Nevertheless the language, wonderful line drawings and sheer humour and exhuberance still make it an enjoyable romp.

[Bazpazazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an amazing novel! ridiculous, irreverant, hilarious, philisophical, snuggly, informative, and many other ives that are positive. i don't want to spoil it, as if anyone could, for folks, so i'll just say this; a three foot tall dinosaur travels to said city in possession of a manuscript, and in search of its author, and manages to re-write the history of Zamonian literature. and foil a nefarious scheme.
GO FORTH AND READ THIS WONDERFUL NOVEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

i dunno - this book isnt as cute/clever as it thinks it is. maybe if i were one of the adults-who-read-harry-potter, i would have a better understanding of it, but as it happens, i am not. i expected something more book-dorky, but it was just like reading a childrens adventure story. meh.

[Tobi Aching · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Von den Sternen kommen wir, zu den Sternen gehen wir. Das Leben ist nur eine Reise in die Fremde.“

Seine ersten 2 Lebensjahre verbrachte mein Sohn den Großteil seines kleinen Lebens auf der Intensivstation. Und ich mit ihm. Und dieses Buch mit mir. Und es half mir einfach so sehr, immer wieder Kraft zu tanken, abzutauchen in eine Welt der Fantasie, der Bücher und der Sprache weit weg von Überwachungsmonitoren, Schläuchen und Kabeln. Weg von Ängsten, Sorgen und Traurigkeit.
Ich glaube, dass in bestimmten Momenten Eskapismus existenziell und überlebenswichtig ist. Ich glaube daran, dass Fantasie und Wörter dein Leben retten können oder es dich zumindest so aushalten lassen, dass du weiter machst.
Dieses Buch ist eines, dem diese Wunderkraft inne wohnt, es zieht dich in sich hinein, es lässt dich die Welt vergessen, es gibt dir Mut und es heilt dich. Es zeigt dir, dass es immer etwas gibt was du der Realität entgegenstellen kannst: Deine Fantasie, Deine Träume und Deine Hoffnung.
Daher von mir maximalst subjektive 5 Sterne und oben drauf alle Sterne des Universums (die, von denen wir kommen und die, zu denen wir gehen).

[Nataliya Yaneva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Приближи се още малко, читателю. Точно така... Ела на опасно приключение в свят, в който властват книгите. И странните същества. И една твърде дълго пазена тайна.

„Във тъмни, хладни, празни стаи,
където се кръстосват сенки бледи,
където древни книги сън сънуват
за отминалите времена, когато са били дървета,
и въглищата раждали са диаманти,
и никой не познавал светлина и милост –
е мястото, където онзи дух царува,
наречен Сенчестия крал.“

Запознайте се със Змей Митоблудни – нашият гид в необятния свят на book lover-ите. Да, той наистина си е динозавър. Идещ от Драконовите крепости, където се въдят змейове поети, Митоблудни се отправя в търсене на автора на най-умело написания ръкопис в света. Свят, в който четенето е нещо повече от религия, и всеки има занятие, свързано по някакъв начин с литературата.

Нашият Змей ни попада в Книговището – Градът на сънуващите книги – и се сблъсква с най-прекрасните и най-ужасните форми на литературата. Тук ще джунгръцвате от кеф, хапвайки пчелни сандвичи („огромни порязаници черен хляб, щедро намазани с масло и прозрачен мед, в който плуваха умрели пчели“) и отпивайки жарко кафе („лъхаше на индийско орехче“), докато четете до забрава в някоя сумрачна книжарничка. Ще минете през Гробището на забравените поети, където най-бездарните представители на бранша са натъпкани и обитават огромни дупки насред улицата, а минувачите подигравателно им подвикват отгоре и им мятат дребни срещу евтини стихове. Ще прекосите и Отровната улица – там пък наемни критикари ще спретнат „унищожителна критика“ по ваша поръчка. Да не подминете Редакторската алея, че има автори, дето умеят само да пишат, но не и да дават вид на текста си... Дотук не ви ли напомня твърде съвременното книгоиздаване? And that’s showbiz... kid.

Разбира се, романтиката на книгата не се изчерпва с неспирно чревоугодничество (пропуснах да спомена друг мой любим специалитет – Книгосъзданието – „парче сладкиш, пълен с компот от ябълки и шпикован с бадеми и шамфъстък, във формата на книга... бодна отстрани с дълга игла и от нея потече ухаещ на канела пълнеж, който изглеждаше точно като течно ласе“) и духовна вакханалия с четене на безброй книги. В търсене на автора на тайнствения ръкопис се налага Митоблудни да се спусне в катакомбите на Книговището, където бродят смъртноопасните Ловци на книги и се мълви, че ще срещнете Ужасяващите Книгосъздания (да, оня сладкиш беше наречен на тях), които правят неизказани неща на дръзналите да се лутат из книговищките мрачни подземия... О, а чували ли сте страховитата история на Краля на сенките, чийто скръбни въздишки се носят из всички тунели на катакомбите, като да е току до вас? Е, ще научите и нея.
Пътьом из всички тези небивалици ще се научите да Ормите, ще се сприятелите с Колофоний Дъждосиянието (не питайте, просто четете), ще поживеете в Кожената пещера, ще полетите с харпир... и ако това не ви е достатъчно, то тази книга просто не е за вас.

„От книга връз книга издигнат,
отритнат, проклет,
съшит от мъртви прозорци,
населен само от духове,
от хартиени, кожени твари превзет,
е замъкът пъклен –
място на лудост и звук –
наречен Двореца на сенките тук.“

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! A book about books!

We start with this:


A wonderful way of announcing that this book is about the love for everything book-related.

Therefore, this installment of the Zamonia novels takes place in Buchhaim (no idea if they translated the city's name or not, sorry) and tells of an adventure as experienced / survived by Hildegunst von Mythenmetz.


Hildegunst von Mythenmetz is the literary great we already know from previous installments. At the beginning of the book, he mourns his godfather who passed away and left him a mysterious and dangerous manuscript. He thus leaves his home, the Lindenfeste, and goes to the famous "city of dreaming books", Buchhaim.


Once there, he not only strolls through what is every booklover's paradise (full of shops that only have things you need for reading, like bookmarks, or books of all kinds) but also finds out that the manuscript he came into possession of is incredibly valuable but in a dangerous kind of way. And it all seems to have to do with the labyrinth beneath the city as well as Buchhaim's history!

This is book 1 in what was supposed to be a trilogy but is now at least a tetralogy. Therefore, not absolutely every strand of the story has been resolved yet. However, the way the story ended was still very satisfying while managing to make me curious for more.

As mentioned in my status update(s), this book was less in the realm of hilarity, unlike some of the others, but more in the realm of quirky literature. It definitely showed the author's absolute passion for books and reading as well as his often amusing outlook on topics such as literary critics or antique stores.

So yes, thoroughly enjoyable, with gorgeously written prose and an almost incredibly cozy atmosphere.

It also doesn't hurt that the paperback edition I was reading alongside the audio version was very nicely illustrated.


Can't wait to continue (though the next book, chronologically, is not about Hildegunst's adventure). :D

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reached the end of this tale with such mixed feelings. There were times when I felt that the book would never end and I was so very bored. There were other times when I drank up every word as if it were ambrosia, and I wanted the spirit of the book to shine through my every waking hour. Overall, the outstanding moments of imagination and muse far outweighed the plodding aspects of yet another odd-and-dangerous creature encounter or one more night (or was it day? one can never really tell) in the book catacombs.

I'm afraid a large part of my "boredom" with segments of the book stems from the fact I could never feel quite chummy with our narrator-protagonist. The ambivalence I felt toward him certainly lessened my interest in his various adventures and trials. Also, I was not a big fan of the violence and gore and "scary" creatures--granted, these were all very much in PG-13 style, but still, not my cup of tea. I discovered that "City of Dreaming Books" was not a good book to go off to dreamland with, let me tell you! These points may not be faults of the book, but rather of my not being the perfect match for the book. (I should note that my husband was, I think, a far bigger fan of it than I was.)

That said, there are so many chapters in this book that are rich in vivid and marvelous imagination! Anyone who loves book should at least give it a try! The story takes place in Bookholm, a land where books and authors are valued above everything else. The "fantasy" element includes not only the odd-creepy creatures, but some very adorable book-loving ones, and the fact that books have been made into more than just paper and ink. There are some dangerous books that can actually kill you! Adventure books that come with a bandanna so you can wipe your brow when you start sweating from the suspense. Books with rare perfumes. Books that actually come to life. And behind all this is some great mysteries: Who wrote the manuscript that was bequeathed to our dinosaur-protagonist by his authorial godfather and is probably the most outstanding book ever written? Is the Orm (said to give inspiration to authors) real? And is the Shadow King that inhabits the book catacombs friend or foe?

This story is also highly recommended for anyone who loves to write. Not since L. M. Montgomery's "Emily" series have I found a story that speaks to deeply to the spirit of authors.

All in all, I have fond feelings as I reflect back on the tale, though I tend to focus on my favorite aspects and ignore the parts that bored me! :-)

[Ajeje Brazov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appena uscito dalla città dei libri... ah no opsss, volevo dire dalla lettura del terzo (mio personale) libro di quel mattacchione di un Moers e...
Beh... potrei dire tutto e nulla su questo libro, ma Moers rimane lo scrittore fantasy che, negli ultimi anni, mi ha fatto sganasciare dalle risate, ma allo stesso tempo mi ha fatto riflettere sulla vita, sui libri, sul fantastico mondo dell'immaginazione, che spesso viene tacciata, l'immaginazione, per "cazzata da leggere ai bambini". Mi verrebbero 4-5 parolacce da infilare una dietro l'altra per iniziare a spiegare che una cazzata è definire l'immaginazione una cazzata. E le parolacce sarebbero vitali per il discorso, altrimenti diventerei come Hulk e sarebbe un macello :-P
Comunque, ritroviamo qui il Moers dei due precedenti libri che ho letto (Le 13 vite e mezzo del capitano Orso Blu ed Ensel e Krete), in certo senso anche i disegni sono sullo stesso stile, alla fine si parla sempre del mondo inventato dall'autore, ma questo potrebbe far presagire una ripetitività, niente di più sbagliato. Moers inanella invenzioni narrative che sbalordiscono sempre.
Consigliatissimo!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The English version can be found below.

-----------
German Version:

“In tiefen, kalten, hohlen Räumen,
Wo Schatten sich mit Schatten paaren,
Wo alte Bücher Träume träumen,
Von Zeiten, als sie Bäume waren,
Wo Kohle Diamant gebiert,
Man weder Licht noch Gnade kennt,
Dort ist's, wo jener Geist regiert,
Den man den Schattenkönig nennt.” 🖤🖤🖤

Eines meiner absoluten Lieblingsbücher, das ich 2023 für mich entdeckt habe und nun im Rahmen einer Hausarbeit erneut lese! 😍😍😍 Fand den Aspekt der Bearbeitung von Goethes Faust-Stoff wirklich spannend, vor allem in Verbindung mit dem Orm. Allerdings sollte ich an dieser Stelle unbedingt erwähnen, dass Mary Shelleys ‚Frankenstein‘ genauso, wenn nicht sogar stärker gewichtet, von Moers in ‚Die Stadt der Träumenden Bücher‘ kreativ umgesetzt und zamonisiert wurde.

Kurz zum Inhalt: 🦖👣Hildegunsts Reise beginnt mit einem geheimnisvollen Manuskript, das die Vollkommenheit überhaupt verkörpere und durch und durch vom Orm durchdrungen ist. Das „Orm [...] [ist] eine Art mysteriöse Kraft, die manche Dichter in Augenblicken höchster Inspiration durchströmen soll“ (S. 20)🌟✨✒️. Mit diesem Schriftstück macht Hildegunst von Mythenmetz sich auf den Weg nach Buchhaim, um den Verfasser zu finden, und die Geschichte nimmt seinen Lauf. .📜▶️Dabei lernt er im ersten Teil des Buches den oberen Teil von Buchhaim kennen, der eigentlich nur die Spitze des Eisbergs verkörpert, denn der Untergrund von Buchhaim ist ein Labyrinth von überwältigendem Ausmaß. Diesen unteren Teil Buchhaims lernt er dann im Anschluss im zweiten Teil des Buches kennen.

Besonders beeindruckend finde ich Moers Detailverliebtheit, da er in seinem Roman wirklich jeden Aspekt rund um ein Buch einbringt, selbst das Cover besteht aus einem kleinen Ausschnitt einer immensen Bibliothek über und über voll mit wertvollen alten Büchern. Auch die ganze Geschichte ist die Geschichte des Werdegangs eines Dichters, Hildegunst von Mythenmetz, und seine Erfahrungen vereint mit vielen anderer Dichtergeschichten, die darin verwoben sind. Bücher, Schreiben und Autoren stecken tatsächlich in Allem, selbst in den Namen, wie z.B. Hildegunst von Mythenmetz, Danzelot von Silbendrechsler. Bei beiden wird Mittelalter, Heldentum und Schreiben als Handwerksberuf vereint.

Nach nur 200 Seiten tauchen nun endlich auch die 'Schrecklichen' Buchlinge auf, wegen denen ich persönlich die Zamonien-Romane erst lesen wollte! 😍😍😍 Diese bilden meiner Meinung nach das Herz der Geschichte, vor allem ihre Liebe zur Literatur ist einfach hinreißend. Sie entstehen quasi erst durch das Schaffen von Literatur und der Geburt eines neuen Schriftstellers. ☺ Dann leben sie wortwörtlich von Büchern und widmen ihr ganzes Leben einem bestimmten Autor und seinen Werken. Hiermit ehrt Moers auch viele berühmte Schriftsteller wie z.B. Ovid, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe und Gottfried Keller.

Im zweiten Buch in der Unterwelt Buchaims lauern die Schrecken überall in den geheimen Gängen des Labyrinths und man kann mit dem orientierungslosen Hildegunst mitfiebern. Außerdem bringt einen Moers Humor, der sich in ‚Die Stadt der Träumenden Bücher‘ besonders durch Selbstreferentialität zur Literatur auszeichnet, durchweg zum Schmunzeln. Auch Moers sprachliche Formulierungen sind einmalig und geben dem ganzen Buch seine Seele.

Moers erzeugt ein faszinierendes Wechselspiel von Schönheit und Schrecken, was sich auch im Schattenkönig widerspiegelt.

"Ich habe nie etwas Schöneres, etwas Wilderes, Beängstigenderes und Traurigeres gesehen als den König der Schatten, der zwischen seinen Feuern tanzte. Denn er tanzte, um nicht allein zu sein. Die hohen Flammen, die überall loderten, vervielfachten seinen Schatten, warfen ihn mal hier- mal dorthin, so daß es aussah, als befände sich der Schattenkönig in bester Gesellschaft." (S. 334)

Man kann eigentlich gar nicht alles aufzählen, was diesen Roman so besonders macht. Wenn man einmal damit anfängt das Buch zu analysieren, merkt man sehr schnell, wie viel Raffinesse, Intertextualität und Selbstreferenz in Bezug auf den Umgang mit Literatur und dem Schreibprozess in diesem Buch steckt, wobei man wahrscheinlich eine kleine Bibliothek damit füllen könnte, wenn man dies alles aufschlüsseln will. Allein das Enträtseln der Anagramm-haften darin verarbeiteten Künstlernamen ist eine Aufgabe für sich.
Daher => Gesamt: 5,0 plus⭐

____
Mein persönliches Ranking der Zamonien-Romane:
Platz 1: Die Stadt der Träumenden Bücher (2004) – ⭐5,0+
Platz 2: Die 13 ½ Leben des Käpt’n Blaubär (1999) – ⭐5,0
Platz 3: Rumo & Die Wunder im Dunkeln (2003) – ⭐5,0
Platz 4: Die Insel der 1000 Leuchttürme (2023) – ⭐4,8
Platz 5: Der Schrecksenmeister (2007) – ⭐4,8
Platz 6: Das Labyrinth der Träumenden Bücher (2011) - ⭐4,4
Platz 7: Der Bücherdrache (2019) - ⭐4,3
Platz 8: Ensel und Krete (2000) – ⭐4,0
Platz 9: Das Einhörnchen, das rückwärts leben wollte: Zwanzig zamonische Flabeln (2024) – ⭐3,4
Platz 10: Weihnachten auf der Lindwurmfeste (2018) – ⭐3,3
Platz 11: Prinzessin Insomnia & der alptraumfarbene Nachtmahr (2017) – ⭐1,7

----------
English version:

"In deep, cold, hollow rooms,
Where shadows mingle with shadows,
Where old books dream dreams,
Of times when they were trees,
Where coal gives birth to diamond,
One knows neither light nor mercy,
There is where that spirit reigns,
Which is called the shadow king." (translated by myself) 🖤🖤🖤

One of my absolute favorite books, which I discovered for myself in 2023 and am now re-reading as part of a term paper! 😍😍😍 I was particularly interested in the aspect of the adaptation of Goethe's 'Faust'-material, especially in connection with the Orm. However, I should definitely mention at this point that Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' was just as - if not weighted more heavily - creatively realized and zamonized by Moers in 'The City of Dreaming Books'.

In brief: 🦖👣 Optimus Yarnspinner's journey begins with a mysterious manuscript that embodies perfection in general and is permeated through and through by the Orm. The "Orm [...] [is] a kind of mysterious force that is said to flow through some poets in moments of supreme inspiration" (p. 20; translated by myself). 🌟✨✒️With this document, Optimus Yarnspinner sets off for Bookholm to find the author, and the story takes its course.📜▶️ In the first part of the book, he gets to know the upper part of Bookholm, which actually only represents the tip of the iceberg, as the underground of Bookholm is a labyrinth of overwhelming extent. He then gets to know this lower part of Bookholm in the second part of the book.

I find Moers's attention to detail particularly impressive, as he really brings every aspect of a book into his novel, even the cover consists of a small section of an immense library full of valuable old books. Also the whole story is the story of the career of a poet, Optimus Yarnspinner, and his experiences interwoven with many other poets' stories. Books, writing and authors are actually in everything, even in the names, such as Optimus Yarnspinner/Hildegunst von Mythenmetz, ?/Danzelot von Silbendrechsler (The English translation isn't so elaborated here.). Both combine the Middle Ages, heroism and writing as a craft.

After only 200 pages, the 'Terrible' Booklings finally make an appearance, which personally made me want to read the Zamonia novels in the first place! 😍😍😍 In my opinion, they form the heart of the story, especially their love of literature is simply adorable. They come into being through the creation of literature and the birth of a new writer. ☺ Then they literally live from books and dedicate their entire lives to a particular author and his works. In this way, Moers also honors many famous writers such as Ovid, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Gottfried Keller.

In the second book, set in the underworld of Bookholm, horrors lurk everywhere in the secret passages of the labyrinth and you can sympathize with the disoriented Hildegunst. In addition, Moers' humor, which in 'The City of Dreaming Books' is characterized by its self-referentiality to literature, makes you smile throughout. Moers' linguistic formulations are also unique and give the whole book its soul.

Moers creates a fascinating interplay of beauty and horror, which is also reflected in ‚Der Schattenkönig/The Shadow King‘.

"I have never seen anything more beautiful, more wild, more frightening and more sad than the King of Shadows dancing among his fires. For he danced so as not to be alone. The high flames that blazed everywhere multiplied his shadow, casting it here and there, so that it looked as if the Shadow King was in the best of company." (S. 334; translated by myself)

It is impossible to list everything that makes this novel so special. Once you start analyzing the book, you quickly realize how much there is in it - sophistication, intertextuality and self-reference to literature and the writing process.

You could probably fill a small library with it if you were to break it all down. Just unraveling the anagram-like artist names used in it is a task in itself.

Therefore => Overall: 5.0 plus⭐
____
My personal ranking of the Zamonia-Novels:
Rank 1: The City of Dreaming Books (2004) – ⭐5,0+
Rank 2: The 13 ½ Lives of Captain Bluebear (1999) – ⭐5,0
Rank 3: Rumo & His Miraculous Adventures (2003) – ⭐5,0
Rank 4: Die Insel der 1000 Leuchttürme (My translation: ‚The island of a 1000 lighthouses‘; not translated into English yet) (2023) – ⭐4,8
Rank 5: The Alchemaster’s Apprentice (2007) – ⭐4,8
Rank 6: The Labyrinth of Dreaming Books (2011) – ⭐4,4
Rank 7: Der Bücherdrache (My translation: ‚The Bookdragon‘; not translated into English) (2019) – ⭐4,3
Rank 8: Ensel und Krete (My translation: Ensel and Krete (reference to the fairy tale ‘Hansel and Gretel’ by the Brothers Grimm); not translated into English) (2000) – ⭐4,0
Rank 9: Das Einhörnchen, das rückwärts leben wollte: Zwanzig zamonische Flabeln (My translation: The squirrel with the one horn that wanted to live backwards (sounds strange in English because it's a play on words and squirrel means ‘Eichhörnchen’ in German and Moers then makes it ‘Einhörnchen’ (‘ein’= one; ‘hörnchen’= diminutive of horn), i.e. a squirrel that wears a horn on its head); not translated into English) (2024) – ⭐3,4
Rank 10: Weihnachten auf der Lindwurmfeste (My translation: Christmas at the Lindwurm Fortress; not translated into English) (2018) – ⭐3,3
Platz 11: Prinzessin Insomnia & der alptraumfarbene Nachtmahr (My translation: Princess Insomnia & the nightmare-coloured gnome; not translated into English) (2017) – ⭐1,7

[Paige (Enchantology) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most charming and delightful books I've ever read. Highly recommend to anyone who loves books, as they're really the heart of this story - both in terms of reading and writing them. I found myself smiling while reading most of this because it's just such a joy. This will definitely be one I need to reread as it's full of quotes I wish I'd taken the time to write down the first time but was too focused on continuing reading to do so.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The City of Dreaming Books by German author Walter Moers is one of my all time favorite books. Since the original is written in German, and my German knowledge is minimal, I read the Dutch translation. I tried to look up all the names from the English translation, so everything should be clear, but translations in different languages can always be confusing.


The Story

The City of Dreaming Books tells the tale of Optimus Yarnspinner, an aspiring writer, who inherits his godfather’s possessions and finds a manuscript that turns out to be the perfect story. He embarks on a journey to Bookholm, a city entirely filled with bookshops, where books dream to be bought, to find the anonymous author of the story. When he arrives, the city rises above all his expectations.

The shops, the writers — it’s all a dream come true, but soon he finds out it isn’t as perfect as he first thought. Beneath the city is a gigantic labyrinth, filled with old and valuable books, and many dangers, like the violent and merciless book hunters, the Toxicotomes – books that are death traps – and the mysterious but evil Shadow King. Optimus gets manipulated into the labyrinth, and has to face all these dangers and more to find his way up again.

The World

The story takes place in Zamonia, the same setting as two other – translated – books by Moers: Rumo: And His Miraculous Adventures, and The 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear. Both are equally awesome, and I often pick Rumo as my favorite instead of Dreaming Books, because it’s so hard to choose. The world of Zamonia is filled with crazy animals, strange lifeforms and bizarre geographic evolutions. This is fantasy like no other has been written. It might even be a whole new genre. Everything is original and unexpected, though often strange and bizarre. The illustrations are amazing, and add a whole new layer to the stories.

At first sight, the writing style, world setting and illustrations seem to be directed at children or young adult, but these are stories only adults can truly appreciate. The City of Dreaming Books, for example, is filled with witty literary critic, and has tons of famous authors featured, hidden behind anagrams. One poor Bookling had to learn all the works of Wamilli Swordthrow* by heart, another was lucky to have to learn the collected work of Aliesha Wimperslake*. There’s also the famous Ohm, a level of writing balance and genius every author aims for, but which only few manage to claim. This makes the book a true book for booklovers, readers and writers alike, fantasy fan or not.

Another great facet is that all the Zamonia stories intertwine on some level. Optimus is a Lindworm, a race of literary dinosaurs, but it is in Rumo that we learn how the Lindworm Vest came to its end. We learn more from the characters backgrounds in other stories. The recurring characters make you want to reread the other books after finishing one, because you discover something new every time, and want to match the new information with everything else you know.

It is truly a world you want to visit over and over.

Back to the Book

There hasn’t been a book about books that refilled me with my love of reading as this one did. There hasn’t been a Fantasy book that amazed me with it’s world so much as this one (except maybe for Rumo, but that’s the same world). There hasn’t been a book that made me buy all the other works by the author as fast as this one.

The City of Dreaming Books is the city I’d love to live in. The books mentioned are the books I want to read. Even though it’s all fictional.

It is truly an exceptional book, and I urge you all to read it.

(Originally published on the Ergofiction e-zine.

[Hannah Greendale (Hello, Bookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"That is how I came to Bookholm. So here I now am with you, my undaunted reader. And it is here, on the outskirts of the City of Dreaming Books, that my story really begins."

The quintessential book-lover's book about book writers and book hunters, set in a bookish city comprised of bookstores and book-lined catacombs. I loved creative worldbuilding (made me think of City of Saints and Madmen by Jeff Vandermeer), as well as the humor and quirky illustrations. Just wish the story in the second half had been a little more buttoned up. The audiobook is great!

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

So nun habe ich zweieinhalb Jahre lang dieses Hörbuch ausschließlich auf längeren Autofahrten genossen und muss sagen, es war teilweise genial, zwar annähernd aber doch nicht ganz von der Qualität eines Käpt'n Blaubär. Warum ich die Art der Rezeption hier in die Rezension hineinnehme, ist leicht erklärt: Ich stelle die These auf, dass erstens beim Hörbuch Szenen, die nicht ganz so spannend sind, weit mehr negativ ins Gewicht einer Beurteilung fallen und weiters mein Vortasten Stück für Stück und nicht in einem Rutsch sich sicher auch eher kritischer auf meine Meinung zu diesem Werk ausgewirkt haben.

Grundsätzlich erschafft Walter Moers ein wundervolles zamonisches Universum in Buchhain, in dem sich alles um Bücher dreht. Dabei nimmt er sowohl bestimmte reale Autoren, als auch den Buchbetrieb - vor allem in Frankfurt - sehr gekonnt und witzig auf die Schippe, um gleichzeitig aber auch eine einzigartige Fantasywelt zu erschaffen, in der sich Haifischmaden, Buchlinge, Buchjäger, Buchparfümeure, Drachen, ein Homuculus geschaffen aus Büchern und Papier und viele andere herumtreiben. Etwa in der giftigen Gasse gibt es gedungene Literaturkritiker, die aus Ecken hervorhüpfen und TotalVerrissssse anbieten (da hat man gleich den Reich-Ranicki im Kopf 😂😂), aus dem Viertel der Lektoren dringen Flüche und Verzweiflungsschreie. Hier muss ich gleich anmerken, dass dieses Hörbuch noch vom verstorbenen Dirk Bach wundervoll interpretiert und vorgelesen wird.

In der Story macht sich der Drache Hildegunst von Mythenmetz von der Lindwurmfeste auf den Weg nach Buchhain, um einen unbekannten Autor zu finden, der ein geniales Manuskript verfasst hat. Dort trifft er auf den Antagonisten, die Haifischmade Themistopheles Smike, dessen verdorbenen Verwandten man ja schon vom Käptain Blaubär kennt. Dieser will die hohe Kunst der Literatur zu Gunsten von mittelmäßigem Kommerz abschaffen und Künstler vernichten - Allmachtsfantasien & Größenwahn par excellence -erinnert sehr frappant an geldgeile Verlagsdirektoren.

Neben Längen in mehreren Kapiteln bei einem Konzert und vor allem als Hildegunst durch die Katakomben von Buchhain irrt, gibt es andererseits unerreicht einzigartige innovative wundervolle Ideen und geniale Konversationen:

Buchlinge ernähren sich vom Lesen. Trivialliteratur macht nicht satt wie Fast Food - Romane machen fett - mit Lyrik kann man eine Diät starten und Totalverrisse hinterlassen einen schalen Nachgeschmack :D

"Bücher erschaffen kannst Du noch nicht, aber umbringen kannst Du sie schon, bist Du sicher, dass Du nicht lieber Kritiker werden möchtest?

oder die Anspielung auf Zettel's Traum von Arno Schmidt:
"Das Buch ist so schwer, alleine vom Umblättern kannst Du einen Muskelkater kriegen. Niemals ist ein Buch hergestellt worden, das sich sehr gegen jeden Gebrauch sträubt, es nicht nur schwer zu tragen sondern auch extrem schwer zu lesen […]. Niemand versteht das - zu diesem Zweck ist es geschrieben worden. Das finde ich arrogant man sollte schreiben, um gelesen zu werden."

Alles endet in einem grandiosen Finale - einem Happy End - in dem die Haifischmade vernichtet wird und das ORM (Literarische Kreativität und Genialität) den Sieg über den Kommerz und das Mittelmaß davonträgt.

Fazit: Absolute Empfehlung von mir für Kinder genauso wie für Erwachsene.

[Liesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein total originelles und auch witziges Buch, ich habe das Lesen sehr genossen!

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ein völlig durchgeknalltes, aber großartiges Buch! Ich bin schwer beeindruckt und brauche dringend mehr Lesefutter von Herrn Moers :)

[Tilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someday I have to reread this gorgeous book and write a review. This review will be probably more a declaration of love than a review to be honest.

REREAD IN 02/2021:
<3 <3 <3
This is still my favorite book.

I seriously cannot imagine a more groundbreaking and heart-wrenching love letter to literature itself.
Hildegunst von Mythenmetz (which I'm pretty sure is called Optimus Yarnspinner in the english translation) may not be the most interesting character on his own but I adore the journey he went through and all the challenges he faced so much. On this reread I also noticed the parts which parodies the book publishing industry much more than I did on my first read (maybe due to the fact that I'm working in a library now).
Let's talk about the booklings. They may be my favorite fantasy race in existence. To imagine that there is a bookling to every author out there is so freaking adorable, especially when I consider that their could be a bookling out there which is named by myself someday.
Furthermore, Homonkoloss is definitely one of my favorite literary characters of all time. I don't share his moral believes but every decision he makes, makes sense for his character and is never dictated for the sake of the plot. Also his backstory still gives me goosebumps on its best. The part in the end were he says that he wants to see the sun one more time and burns Bookholm afterwards seriously rips my heart out.
And can we finally talk about The Orm? It's there. On every page. People who read this book will know what I mean.
6 of 5 stars

[Steffi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ein überraschend intelligentes Buch, das ständig auf andere Bücher verweist und die "wirkliche" Welt und die Menschen, die in ihr leben karrikiert. Außerdem eine wunderbare Hommage an Bücher und ans Lesen. Ein spannender Abenteuerroman für verschiedenste Altersgruppen. Eine meiner Lieblingsszenen betrifft das so genannte "Ormen". Die schrecklichen Buchlinge sind jeweils damit beschäftigt, das Werk eines bestimmten Dichters auswendig zu lernen. Dabei nehmen sie auch die Schrullen des entsprechenden Künstlers an. Die Dichter heißen zwar ganz anders, haben ihre Vorbilder aber unverkennbar in realen Dichtern. Gerne beginnen sie aus dem Werk zu zitieren und das Gegenüber raten, um welchen Dichter es sich handelt. Dieses Spiel nennen sie Ormen. So rezitiert Ali Aria Ekmirner folgende Zeilen: "Befiehl den letzten Früchten voll zu sein; Gib ihnen noch zwei südlichere Tage [...:]" Unverkenbbar also Rilkes Herbstgedicht und wenn man die Buchstaben im Namen Ali Aria Ekmirner neu kombiniert, wird man dies bestätigt finden. Sehr komisch auch, als Dölerich Hirnfidler loslegt und nur "O!" sagt und nach nur diesem einen Buchstaben erkannt wird. Auch hier steckt der Name des Vorbilds im Namen des Buchlings.

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the wittiest book I have read in a long time. A bibliophile's dream come true. It's full of wordplay and allusions to many classic works of literature, except that the references are slightly askew to fit into this novel's realm. I love that the famous authors in this story are often anagrams of well-known bards of the "real" world. The author is also kind enough to provide his own illustrations of his world. Literate dinosaurs, fearsome booklings, wicked literary agents and a Shadow King formed of the very stuff of legends make this novel one surprise after another and keep the reader smiling (or at the very least, smirking)page after page.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - fabulous setting and charming illustrations, very cool creatures and atmosphere. But for me, it was a bit too wordy, especially in its long descriptions and endlessly long LISTS of everything the narrator sees (and what for: why not just include it in an illustration?). But it's certainly worth reading when you feel like really diving into a colorful world full of weird but somehow cozy things. This is the perfect book for a winter holiday when you're chilling in a fancy coffee shop with a snowstorm outside.

[emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of those books that makes you rejoice every time you miss the train because it gives you an excuse to sit down and read while waiting for the next one

[Katri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. I'm in literary love. This was the first book by Walter Moers that I read but will definitely not be the last. I have rarely loved and adored a book as much as this one.

The ultimate book for any booklovers with a sense of humour and a love for good, exciting stories. "The City of Dreaming Books" tells the story of Hildegunst von Mythenmetz (called Optimus Yarnspinner in the English translation, but I read a Finnish translation which kept the original German name of the protagonist) who inherits a mysterious manuscript from his godfather and, in quest for its author, is driven into the exciting but dangerous depths of Bookholm, a city entirely devoted to books. Everything in the story revolves around books, reading and writing, and the story is written in accordance with all the rules of good storytelling so that in 500 pages the story never slows down too much but becomes more and more exciting, and at the same time the story is voluminous enough to have time for revealing much of the fantastic world of the book. There dangerous Bookhunters hunt unscrupulously for valuable books, a book-filled labyrinth under the city is also filled with unspeakable monsters, and one-eyed little Booklings deep in the labyrinth are all devoted to a single author, memorizing his or her entire work.

The characters in the story are lovely; the protagonist is simply adorable, and easy for any book nerd to relate to, and I also love the various friends and helpers he meets during his quest, and the villains are delicious as well. Moers' imagination is truly impressive, and his love for books and good storytelling is obvious, which makes is easy for the reader to fall in love as well. The book is full of wacky humour, and it's crazy and whimsical enough that it may be dismissed as silly by people who expect novels to be Serious and Devoted To Being Great Art. But a story about a literate dinosaur's adventures is probably not meant for such people anyway, and the book it hit my sense of humour exactly. It's also partly just the wacky humour that made me love the characters and the story so much that I also cried for it. To me a book as lovable, fun and exciting as this is worth much more as art than a thousand Serious Art Novels written for critics and academics rather than a reading audience who loves a good story and sympathetic characters.

The creatures in Zamonia all resemble some kind of animals or mythical monsters or creatures you never imagined before. Sometimes I find books with such characters annoying because it seems the author is just trying to be cutesy or trying to tell me that Also Other Creatures Than Humans Are Worth Telling Stories About (I hate being preached at), but in this case it all seems entirely natural: of course the protagonist is a literate dinosaur, of course all dinosaurs are writers, of course a legendary bookhunter resembles a fox, a book agent looks like a wild boar and so on, and of course Booklings are small cute cyclops. It's how things are in the world of the book and it doesn't seem at all forced, preachy or cutesy.

I agree with the warning in the beginning of the story about how dangerous this book can be. I could scarcely put it down after I had started it, nearly ignoring little facts of life such as that I should eat. And after excitedly reading its 500 pages, laughing, crying and fearing through it, I remain under its spell and will no doubt have to find all of Moers' books and read them, as well as continue reading piles and piles of other books because seriously, I can't read a whole exciting novel about books and not have it wash my brain into wanting to do nothing but read, read, read, no matter how much more "useful" things there are I should do. Because really, now nothing seems as important as good books. And certainly I will have to return to the literary catacombs under Bookholm again.

[leynes · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, this is another one of those books I initially wanted to reread in 2020 because I never wrote a proper review for it but 2020 has different plans for me, so I'm writing a review without having reread it. The last time I read this book through was 2013 (and I adored it back then) and then last year, I already tried rereading it but didn't make it past page 50... so, love that for me.

Die Stadt der Träumenden Bücher is a fantasy novel by Walter Moers from 2004, which plays in the fictional kingdom of Zamonia. The main character and narrator of the novel is the Zamonian poet Hildegunst von Mythenmetz, who tells of his beginnings as a budding poet, with a focus on his adventures in the book town of Buchhaim and the catacombs below.

I remember being absolutely sucked into the world. I loved exploring Buchhaim alongside Hildegunst. This town seemed so magical, so wonderfully bookish, too good to be true. I loved the more eerie and creepy aspects of the tale once Hildegunst got lost in the catacombs. I loved how cleverly Walter Moers intertwined his gorgeous illustrations (all in black and white) with the text and how unconventional some of his plot devices and choices for the layout of certain pages were. This book, back in the day, was an absolute revelation for me. I hadn't read anything like it ever before in my life.

Die Stadt der Träumenden Bücher contains a wealth of allegorical and parodistic allusions to literature and the literary world. Thus the novel first begins in the Lindwurmfeste, where an idealistic ideal of an author as a person who lives only for his art is cultivated. In stark contrast to this is then the hustle and bustle in Buchhaim, which is primarily characterized by consumerism and greed for profit. In contrast to this is the idealism of the Buchlinge, who only collect books but do not want to make a profit from their valuable books.

In the catacombs of Buchhaim Mythenmetz encounters different forms of existence, alluding in different ways to books, reading and literature: First of all, among them are the Buchlinge, friendly, dwarfish cyclopses for whom reading books is like taking in food. According to the narrative, their names are the names of famous Zamonian writers; in fact, many author's names are anagrams of famous German poets such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Hölderlin or Annette von Droste-Hülshoff. Other forms of existence are the living books and the Shadow King or homunculus, who turns out to be a human being transformed by alchemy into a giant being made of paper.

With the tale of the Orm, the all-embracing force that inspires Zamonian poets to outstanding literary achievements, Moers alludes to the cult of the genius (= a brilliant author) of the 18th century. A genius is a person who displays exceptional intellectual ability, creative productivity, universality in genres or originality, typically to a degree that is associated with the achievement of new advances in a domain of knowledge.

The book also contains fictional words, found in most of Moers' work. Some are onomatopoeic; others are amalgamations of existing words or Indo-European roots; still others are created by the author, like "fructodism" (= the sensation experienced when squeezing an orange until it becomes soft) or ""nasodiscrepant" (= a person whose nostrils are notably different in size).

So, as you can probably tell, Die Stadt der Träumenden Bücher should be every booklover's dream. I'm not sure if my non-enjoyment of the beginning of this tale last year was just a fluke, or if I have indeed outgrown the whimsical and loving nature of this tale. If I actually end up hating the book upon my reread (which I'm now planning for 2021), I will be super sad. This book was created with so much love and I remember having so much love for it myself, I hope it'll be able to warm my cold little heart when I actually find the time and leisure to sit down and pick it back up again.

[Michelle F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want so much to write a perfect review for this ridiculous novel because it is truly magical. I've not been this joyously captivated in a long time.

The City of Dreaming Books is light and silly and adventurous and fun. The writing is perfectly, charmingly engrossing, and the translation is amazing. I can't quite tell who the intended audience is, but it doesn't matter. It is an imaginative marvel. Indeed, even with the help of the whimsical illustrations, I had to pause and close my eyes every few paragraphs just to construct Moers' inexhaustible parade of creations. I was rootling around in my own imagination with childlike glee.

There is so much heart in this book. So very much to enjoy – from the grand journey Optimus Yarnspinner takes to hunt down the best author in the world to the smallest speculative details and wordplay. (My favourite anagrammatical story and writer in Bookholm? Vaddi Flopperdice by Asdrel Chickens.)

The sheer scope of this quest tale is overwhelmingly difficult to describe, and if I try I'll get sick of my own overuse of praising adjectives. Clearly I have not touched the Orm in my composition of this review, but I can quite simply say that I loved this book. I intend to visit it again, and hunt down any sequels that have made their way into English.

The City of the Dreaming Books is for book lovers, for writers, and for anyone who can get lost in their own head and craves a ludicrous adventure. This book has enough magic to cast its spell on you and keep you in thrall.

[Jasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST for all book lovers!!!!

[Anja von "books and phobia" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zum Glück lese ich mittlerweile nicht nur Krimis und Thriller sondern genehmige mir hin und wieder ein wenig Literatur aus anderen Kategorien. Ansonsten hätte ich vielleicht nie zu diesem Buch gefunden und diese fabelhafte Geschichte einfach verpasst.

Normal wollte ich mit seinem Nachfolger "Das Labyrinth der Träumenden Bücher" beginnen, wurde aber zum Glück darauf hingewiesen, erstmal dieses zu lesen.

Ob mich das Buch begeistern konnte? Begeistert trifft es nicht einmal ansatzweise, aber dazu jetzt mehr.

Da schlägt man ein Buch auf, mit der Hoffnung auf eine interessante Geschichte mit tollen Charakteren und einem spannenden Abenteuer und dann bekommt man "Das". Ein Buch das mich förmlich aus den Lesesessel haute, mich packte, fest hielt und nicht mehr los ließ. Das Beste aber war, das ich überhaupt nicht los gelassen werden wollte. Ganz im Gegenteil, am liebsten wäre ich in das Buch geschlüpft nur um noch näher an dem zu sein, was ich da erlas. Also, falls jemand eine Option gefunden hat um in ein Buch zu wandern, bitte melden, denn ich will da rein.

Der Einstieg ins Buch fing schon unterhaltsam an, in dem man darauf hingewiesen wurde, was einem grob erwartet. Hierbei erlaubte sich der Autor auch gleich mal einen kleinen Scherz und beleidigte die, die vielleicht zu feige wären um sich in seine Geschichte zu trauen. Natürlich wurde man dadurch nur noch mehr angestachelt das Buch zu lesen, zumal sich wohl kaum einer als Memme bezeichnen lässt.

Als die ersten Seiten verflogen waren, hatte ich das Gefühl selten so sehr in einem Buch willkommen zu sein. Es passte einfach alles. Die Schreibweise hielt mich fest, sorgte für meine Unterhaltung und war trotzdem sehr leicht und luftig. Gerade da dies mein erstes Buch vom Autor war, hatte ich große Bedenken wegen des Schreibstils. Immerhin hätte man mich auch in eine wirre Geschichte schmeißen können. Besonders schön war es, das man als Leser stets mit "mein Freund" angesprochen wurde. Ich fühlte mich dadurch angesprochen und gleich noch ein Stück wohler.

Die Story mit nur einem Wort zu beschreiben ist fast unmöglich. Denn ein "begeistert" allein trifft es nicht einmal ansatzweise. Dutzende Wörter würde mir im Akkord einfallen und nur alle zusammen würden eine Beschreibung des Inhalts ermöglichen.

Herr Moers schafft es, uns in eine Welt zu bringen, die voll von Wesen ist, die wir noch nicht kennen, die mit Abenteuern gespickt ist, die wir nie erwartet hätten und in der Dinge geschehen, die wir nicht vorhersagen können. Emotional gesehen befinden wir uns durchweg auf einer Achterbahnfahrt, die erst beim Beenden der letzten Seite ein Ende findet. Dazwischen lachte man, weint man, reißt die Augen auf oder ekelt sich, aber alles mit Freude. Die vielen Illustrationen sorgen für einen zusätzlichen Spaß, da sie die Vorstellungskraft enorm ankurbeln.

Im Buch geht es zudem um ein Manuskript, welches das non plus ultra der literarischen Schreibkunst sein soll. Einmal gelesen, kommt kein anderes Werk an es ran. Genau dieses Gefühl durchströmt mich bei dem Gedanken an dieses Buch. Ob im Manuskript vielleicht Seiten des Buches standen? Wer weiß!


Hildegunst von Mythenmetz, für mich der neue Star am Dinosaurier-Himmel. Doch im Buch ist er kein Saurier sondern ein Lindwurm von der Lindwurmfeste. Er und sein Volk gelten in Zamonien als die besten Dichter und Autoren und haben sogar Dichtpaten, welche den kleinen Lindwürmer die zamonische Literatur näher bringen. Im Falle von Hildegunst ist dies Danzelot, welcher auch dafür sorgt das der Lindwurm sein Abenteuer beginnt.

Wenn es etwas im Buch gibt was einen dem Atem stocken lässt, dann die Anzahl an Kreaturen, welche ihr Unwesen auf den vielen Seiten treiben. Die meisten lernen wir in Buchhaim kennen, einer Stadt, die allein für Bücher lebt.
Von gefährlich bis herzallerliebst ist für jeden etwas dabei.
Mir haben es besonders die gemeinen Buchlinge angetan, welche dem Begriff Zyklop eine völlig neue Bedeutung geben.

Allgemein werden die meisten Begriffe dermaßen verdreht, das am Ende etwas völlig neues dabei heraus kommt.

Besonders gefallen hatten mir es aber die Beschreibungen der Wesen, da diese an Details förmlich platzten. Selbst ohne die Illustrationen hätte ich mir jeden von ihnen mühelos vorstellen können. Für fast alle Kreaturen wurde eine Geschichte gebildet, die beschrieb, wie diese entstanden oder woher sie kamen. Allein darüber würde ich mir ein Buch ala "Phantastische Tierwesen und wo sie zu finden sind" wünschen, da wir bestimmt noch nicht alle Wesen von Zamonien kennen lernen durften.

Glaubt mir ich würde euch gerne mehr zum Buch erzählen, aber dann würde ich euch die Spannung nehmen und ohne Ende spoilern. Falls ihr mutig seit, Abenteuer liebt und dabei die Dunkelheit nicht scheut, Enttäuschungen weg stecken könnt und immer wieder für eine Überraschung gut seit, dann traut euch an dieses Buch und erlebt dessen Geschichte und Wesen. Vielleicht seit ihr dann dankbar, das ich euch nicht alles erzählt habe, sondern aus vielem ein Geheimnis gemacht habe.

Hier passt einfach alles, denn das gesamte Cover könnte eine Illustration aus dem Buch sein. Die vielen Bücher welche an die Antiquariate und die Katakomben von Buchhaim erinnern und dann der kleine gemeine Buchling, welcher gerade die Literatur seines auserwählten Schreibers lernt.

Da darf auch der Schreibstil vom Namen des Autors und der des Buchtitels etwas dezenter sein. Hier setzte man auf eine leicht lesbare Schrift, was ich durchaus verstand.

Literatur, die bewegt und nach allen Sinnen greift.
Das Öffnen eines Buches wird von nun an ein Kraftakt sein, da man seinen eigenen Büchern nicht mehr trauen kann und auch Musik wird man völlig neu bewerten. Ein grandioses Märchen für Buchliebhaber.

[sj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted here.

I've been trying to write a review of this book since I finished it almost a month ago, but haven't been able to find the words.  Instead of a review, you're going to get a series of thoughts.  I can't guarantee I'll make sense, but I hope at the end at least one of you will feel encouraged to pick it up.

The City of Dreaming Books is the fourth book in Walter Moers' Zamonia series, but first in the Dreaming Books series.  I know, it's a little confusing, but I figured it was a good place to start, even though I haven't read anything by this author before.

This book...I knew within the first 15-20 pages that this book would be going on my favourites shelf.  I'd been reading a bunch of crap that I didn't particularly care for, starting and setting aside for a later date things that I thought maybe I COULD like, but that I wasn't in the mood for.  AND it was towards the end of the Tolkien group read, so I was a bit burnt out on reading in general by that point.

I know, I know.  Weird, right?

Anyway, The City of Dreaming Books immediately had that coming home feeling (that I've talked about previously, regarding the work of Philip K Dick) for me.  Like it was a book that could have been written just for me.  If I were King of the World and had ALL THE AUTHORS working just for me and I could say "Nonono, I want this! And this!  And this!  No!  I don't CARE IF THAT MAKES NO SENSE, YOU WILL MAKE IT WORK!" this is the book that would have been written...and then I'd abdicate my throne and spend the rest of my life reading this book and all the others that were written especially for me.

[ahem]

Okay, so this book takes place on the fictional continent of Zamonia.  Zamonia is/was situated between North America and Europe, and is populated by fantastical creatures of every description.

This story follows the adventure of Optimus Yarnspinner (whose name in the original German text was Hildegunst von Mythenmetz), a Lindworm (read: intelligent dinosaur) from Lindworm Castle.  All Lindworms are assigned an Authorial Godfather, and their godfathers teach them to read and write, as well as educate them on Zamonian Literature.  As Optimus' godfather (Dancelot Wordwright) is on his deathbed, he tells Optimus of a manuscript he once received from a young writer.  A manuscript of such unbelievable beauty and honesty that he gave up his own dreams of writing forever, because he knew there was no way he could ever come close to achieving such literary perfection.

(Did I fail to mention that books are revered in Zamonia?  Nearly everyone is an author or avid reader.  Literature is prized above all else, and the greatest authors are said to have been full of Orm, a mystical force that fills the authors in moments of almost divine inspiration.)

After reading the story his Authorial Godfather has left him, Optimus sets out for Bookholm (The City of Dreaming Books) to find the author of this masterpiece.

This all takes place in the very beginning of the story, I'm really not going to spoil anything for you.  I want you to read it, not just read what I have to say about it!

Besides, I'm afraid I'm not doing a very good job of putting my thoughts down.

If you pick this up and glance through it, you might see the whimsical illustrations the author has added and be tempted to dismiss it as children's literature.  Please don't.  While it READS like children's literature, it's more a book written for adults that still love reading the books they read as they were growing up.  I could read it to my kids, but they'd have so many questions "Well, what does THAT word mean?  What is THAT?  Wait, read that again?" that it would just go too far over their heads.

As an example, nearly every author's name in this book is an anagram of one of OUR famous authors.  I'm terrible at anagrams, but had a DELIGHTFUL time attempting to figure them out.

Is it perfect?  Probably not.  There were a few instances where I noticed strange word choices, but that could be due to the translation.  Is it something I'll read again?  Absolutely.  And again, and again, and again.  I finished and wanted to shout "WHY HAS NO ONE TOLD ME ABOUT THIS BOOK BEFORE NOW?!"  Yeah, it's been translated into English since 2007 and I only JUST discovered it.  I feel like I've been missing out.

So, now I've done my duty (heh) and passed it on.  I hope those of you that give it a chance love it as much as I did.

[...] our burning desire to open a book becomes allied with the hankering for a cup of hot chocolate flavoured with cinnamon and a slice of pound cake warm from the oven. Faster! Faster!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

... I had but one objective, to get to Bookholm and pick up the trail of the mysterious author whose artistry had filled me with such exaltation.

Among my absolute fave reads of this year!: a re-read first experienced more than 10 years ago. Subsequently, I fell into a few other Moers creations around that time, and loved them all (perhaps esp. 'The Alchemaster's Apprentice' but, in a way here, why play favorites?). It's not just that the writer / illustrator has a wild imagination, but he mixes his tales with humor and philosophy, offering up what (to me, anyway) reads like children's stories for adults. 

As hinted at in the quote above, the plot of 'TCODB' would seem to be a rather simple one of finding someone. But, first, Optimus Yarnspinner (yes, you didn't guess it: a bibliophile dinosaur, but on the tiny side; he's only in his young 70s, I think) will have to get to where he's going, far into the netherworld of his native Zamonia. Soon enough, you (and Optimus) will learn that reaching the destination will make for one long, involved, intrepid journey filled with all sorts of creatures (some merely mysterious / eccentric, others extremely scary / diabolical). 

Optimus is not far into his adventure when he's told to give up immediately:

"You must leave Bookholm," he whispered. "You're in mortal danger!"

Of course he is; it's that kind of story. But, as curious as any cat who, as a result, was killed, Optimus forges on:

Curiosity is the most powerful incentive in the world. Why? Because it's capable of overcoming the two most powerful *dis*incentives in the world: common sense and fear.

The danger that Optimus is warned of is always hard to anticipate, coming as it does from Moers' uniquely unpredictable invention (and enhanced by the author's stunning artwork).

This is a work of inspired madness, by turns delirious then deliciously funny:

"So you still can't write books,' the Shadow King said, 'but you can already kill them. Are you sure you wouldn't prefer to be a literary critic?'

You may not always keep a manageable grip on where you're being taken en route (some sections of this nearly 500-page tale may deceptively seem to be of little consequence) but, rest assured, the madness has its method... one that ultimately leads to the source of highest creativity:

'There's a place in the universe where all great artistic concepts accumulate, bouncing off each other and generating new ones,' he said, more quietly now. 'Its creative density must be immense. An invisible planet with seas of music, rivers of pure inspiration and volcanoes that spew out ideas with brainstorms flickering in the sky around them. That's the Orm, a field of force that dispenses its energy in abundance. But not to everyone. Only the elect can receive its emanations.'

But that's not even the story's goal. Optimus does meet up with the one he's been looking for... and he's quite a find! 

I'm not typically a fantasy fiction kind of guy. No 'Dune' or 'Lord of the Rings'-type stuff pour moi. But I'm not totally immune to the genre's charms, depending on the story. Those familiar with my reviews will recall my fondness for the sci-fi-type fantasy of Philip K. Dick or, say, John Wyndham - and someone like Adrian Tchaikovsky can tempt me if he's in one of his particular 'moods'. Fans of the 'fantastic' are fond of the expression 'world-building' - and I can certainly be swayed by a well-built world of unparalleled panache. 

~ which is where 'The City of Dreaming Books' resides. My initial interest was piqued by the title. In this world, there are bookshops, book havens, book chambers, the seemingly 'Fahrenheit 451'-inspired 'booklings'... as well as the nefarious book hunters... and the endless, endless books themselves, seeming to exist as characters in their own right.

In short, if you're a bona fide book lover - let's say a fanatic, have I got a feast for *you*!

[YouKneeK · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was August's chosen fantasy read in the SF&F group I’m in on Goodreads. Since it’s part of a long series, and apparently not even the first book in that series, I decided it would be a good audio candidate and joined in that way. This book does stand alone entirely fine. I could tell that world-building from previous books was being referenced, but I never felt like I was missing anything.

Audio Narration
The narrator is Richard Powers. I think he was just about perfect for this story. He’s a bit melodramatic, which I normally don’t like, but the character narrating the story is also melodramatic. I completely bought into his reading of the story and never argued in my head with how he voiced certain portions of the text like I often do with audiobooks. Since the humor in this story didn’t work great for me, I can say with confidence that he added more humor than I would have gotten out of it otherwise. He differentiated between character voices well also.

Story
For the first third, I wasn’t even sure if there was a story. This is written in a very atmospheric manner. The main character, Optimus Yarnspinner, is bequeathed a mysterious manuscript from his recently-deceased authorial godfather. The manuscript is perfect in every way and Yarnspinner, an aspiring author himself, decides to hunt down the author, whom he believes would have ended up in Bookholm, so that's where he travels to.

In Bookholm, Yarnspinner sees lots of things and rambles to us about all of them in excruciating detail. I don’t think I’ve ever read (or heard) so many lists in a fiction book before. For every place he went, for everything he saw, for everything he did, and for everything he heard, we received lists and lists of examples. These lists were creative and clearly intended to be humorous, but there were just too many of them and they quickly became tedious to me. It occasionally got a chuckle out of me, but for the first third or so I was bored out of my mind and I wasn’t sure I would make it to the end. I kept tuning it out unintentionally because I couldn’t stand to listen to so much rambling.

At some point, I think after about a third of the book, the story came more to the forefront and I became more interested. Every now and then we’d encounter a new setting and the author would go off on one of his lists again, but they were spaced out a bit better and no longer dominated the plot. Or maybe I had grown used to it, I’m not entirely sure. But I do think the story picked up and became quite a lot more interesting.

I had some trouble deciding how to rate this. During the first third, I intended to give it no more than 2 stars. By the end, it felt more like a 3 star read. I considered giving it 2.5 stars and rounding up to 3 on Goodreads, but I decided to give it a straight 3 star rating, maybe in part on the strength of the audio narration. It is creative, and it’s possible I would have appreciated the author’s cleverness more if I’d been able to read it in the original German (or the true original Zamonien), but I think this just isn’t the type of humor that works well for me. I prefer more subtle cleverness, not the waving-arms-in-your-face-to-make-sure-you-don’t-miss-it sort, which is what I felt like this was. Despite that, I did like the story (once the author deigned to give us one) and it might even have caused a tear or two to show up in my eyes on occasion.