Beware of Pity
Beware of Pity
Book Brief
Beta353
Novel • Fiction
Austria • 1910s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Beware of Pity, Stefan Zweig explores themes of compassion and moral dilemmas through the story of a young Austrian officer, Anton Hofmiller, whose life changes when he becomes involved with the Kekesfalva family. The novel examines the consequences of pity and societal expectations in pre-World War I Europe.
Melancholic
Emotional
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
19,960 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Stefan Zweig's Beware of Pity earns acclaim for its psychological depth and exploration of compassion's complexities. Critics praise its prose and narrative tension. Some find it melodramatic or note a dated perspective on gender. Overall, it's a thought-provoking novel on human emotion and moral dilemmas, engaging readers with its timeless themes.
Who Should Read Beware of Pity?
Readers who appreciate Beware of Pity by Stefan Zweig are often drawn to psychological depth and moral dilemmas. This novel appeals to fans of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment or Mann's The Magic Mountain, with its exploration of compassion, guilt, and human frailty. Ideal for those interested in historical settings and intricate character studies.
19,960 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Beware of Pity was Stefan Zweig's only completed novel, published in 1939, and is considered a profound exploration of human emotions and ethical dilemmas.
Stefan Zweig wrote Beware of Pity during his exile from Nazi-occupied Austria, reflecting the turbulent times through its psychological depth and complex characters.
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Roman Polanski directed a stage adaptation of Beware of Pity which premiered at the Barbican Centre in London in 2011, demonstrating the story’s enduring appeal and versatility across different media.
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353
Novel • Fiction
Austria • 1910s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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