Obermann is a thought-provoking and introspective novel that delves into the complexities of human existence and the search for meaning in life. The protagonist, Obermann, is a sensitive and introspective man who struggles with feelings of alienation and disillusionment. Through his musings and observations, the reader is taken on a journey of self-discovery and philosophical contemplation.

The writing style is lyrical and poetic, painting a vivid picture of the natural beauty and emotional turmoil experienced by Obermann. The author, Étienne Pivert de Senancour, masterfully captures the inner workings of the human mind and the existential dilemmas faced by his characters.

Although the novel can be dense and at times challenging to read, the themes and ideas explored are profound and thought-provoking. It is a book that will linger in your mind long after you have finished reading it, prompting you to question your own beliefs and values.

Overall, Obermann is a profound and beautifully written novel that offers a unique perspective on the human condition. It is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophical literature and existentialist thought.

Book Description:
This is a 1903 translation of Étienne Pivert de Senancour's immensely influential work Obermann. Although it was almost completely ignored by the reading public when it was first published during the period of Napoleonic Wars in 1804, it was rediscovered almost 30 years later by the Romantics, praised by none less than Balzac and George Sand, as well as Franz Liszt and other illustrious persons of that time period.

Obermann is an epistolary novel in the form of a journal intime, in which the inner life of the main character is the most important element, rather than the physical action. The story spans ten years, in which Obermann describes historical events, the progress of philosophical ideas, and, most strikingly, his emotional development.

A.E. Waite succeeds to translate this work in a fittingly poetic way, transporting haunting images of loneliness, nausée, and lack of orientation. - Summary by Carolin