i'm in shambles in the most wonderful way, so incredibly touching. i reckon this is going to be one of the most important books in my life. (i'm forever grateful that my mom decided to pick this up in the bookstore at this moment of my life...) a novel reads like a poem. an intelligent, wise, compassionate, beautiful, and exquisite book, that requires a re-read almost immediately upon finishing reading it. i suppose there is nothing i can add to a book like this. i can't wait to read more Hesse's books.