I’m 20 years old and thinking about reading The Man Without Qualities by Robert Musil. I’ve seen a lot of people say it’s a “life experience” book, that you need to be older, have lived more, or have a strong philosophical background to really get it.
My question is: if I’m able to follow what’s happening in the book — the characters, the ideas, the direction of the story — is that enough at this age?
I don’t expect to fully grasp every philosophical layer or historical nuance on a first read. I’m fine with ambiguity and slow, idea-driven writing. I’m more curious whether reading it now would still be worthwhile, or if it’s the kind of book that only truly clicks later in life.
Has anyone here read it young and revisited it later? Did your understanding change a lot? Or do you think comprehension of the surface level is already a solid reason to read it?
Would love to hear your thoughts.
by Similar_Vegetable814
1 Comment
I haven’t read the book, so I can’t comment on the specifics of that story.
I will, however, relay this anecdote:
I’ve read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance three times in my life; once when I was in high school, once when I was in college, and once in my 50’s.
That book meant different things to me upon each reading.
Same exact story with Dune.
Same exact story with 1984.
I say go for it…