The Following Story
The Following Story
Book Brief
Beta115
Novel • Fiction
Lisbon, Portugal • 1990s
1996
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Following Story by Cees Nooteboom, a person named Herman Mussert, who was once a teacher, wakes up in a Lisbon hotel room, reminiscing and reflecting on life, love, and identity. The narrative explores existence and self-awareness through Mussert's philosophical and introspective journey.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Fantastical
Reviews & Readership
2,181 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Following Story by Cees Nooteboom is praised for its poetic prose and philosophical depth, exploring themes of life and identity. Its narrative structure is considered innovative but may confuse some readers. The novel’s introspective nature resonates with existentialist undertones, though its abstract approach might not appeal to everyone. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Following Story?
A reader who enjoys The Following Story by Cees Nooteboom likely appreciates philosophical musings, intricate narratives, and existential themes. Fans of Milan Kundera’s The Unbearable Lightness of Being or Italo Calvino’s If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler might find this book intriguing for its complex storytelling and introspective nature.
2,181 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Following Story was awarded the Aristeion Prize, a prestigious European literary award, in 1993 for its creative excellence.
While the novel is set across two continents, it explores profound themes of life and death in a concise manner, spanning just over 100 pages.
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Cees Nooteboom, the author of The Following Story, is a celebrated Dutch writer also known for his travel literature, offering a unique blend of philosophical insight and narrative artistry in his works.
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115
Novel • Fiction
Lisbon, Portugal • 1990s
1996
Adult
18+ years
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