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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 833.7
EAN num: 9781590172858
ISBN number: 159017285X
Label: NYRB Classics
Manufacturer: NYRB Classics
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 108
Printing Date: September 16, 2008
Publishing house: NYRB Classics
Release Date: September 16, 2008
Sale Popularity Level: 121208
Studio: NYRB Classics
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
Seemingly the simplest of stories—a passing anecdote of village life— Rock Crystal opens up into a tale of almost unendurable suspense. This jewel-like novella by the writer that Thomas Mann praised as 'one of the most extraordinary, the most enigmatic, the most secretly daring and the most strangely gripping narrators in world literature' is among the most unusual, moving, and memorable of Christmas stories. Two children—Conrad and his little sister, Sanna—set out from their village high up in the Alps to visit their grandparents in the neighboring valley. It is the day before Christmas but the weather is mild, though of course night falls early in December and the children are warned not to linger. The grandparents welcome the children with presents and pack them off with kisses. Then snow begins to fall, ever more thickly and steadily. Undaunted, the children press on, only to take a wrong turn. The snow rises higher and higher, time passes: it is deep night when the sky clears and Conrad and Sanna discover themselves out on a glacier, terrifying and beautiful, the heart of the void. Adalbert Stifter's rapt and enigmatic tale, beautifully translated by Elizabeth Mayer and Marianne Moore, explores what can be found between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day—or on any night of the year.
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Rated by buyers 
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I generally shared the sentiments of the other two reviewers -- though a simple story, it is very well written. I had never heard of it or the author, which probably made it that much more enjoyable.
One word of warning, however: do not read W.H. Auden's foreword before reading the story. Inexplicably, it informs the reader of the outcome. Granted, this isn't a thriller in which the removal of suspense eliminates all enjoyment, but it still would have been preferable not to know beforehand.
Rated by buyers 
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While this is subtitled "A Christmas Tale", this wonderfully written story is a story of belonging in a small, isolated community - a wonderful gift that is set at Christmas. Two aspects of the story make this a memorable bit of literature: First, the discription of the physical setting and the small details making the village unique, isolated and realistic are superb. Second, the understanding of human group behavior is outstanding - both in the definition of "outsiders" and in the common story required to become an "insider". This aspect is established early and confirmed by the climax of the story.
Excellent writing, excellent control of characters, interesting and simple plot ... well worth your time.
Rated by buyers -
This is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. The story is simple: A boy and a girl get lost in the mountains on their way home; it's Christmas Eve, and the two are somewhere in the Alps. What makes the books so unique is the way in which the children's ordeal is described: They are moving through a landscape that is made almost abstract by the snow; this is pure poetry! - Stifter is a forgotten genius of 19th century European literature; I'm glad that his touching Christmas Tale - and ideal Christmas present, by the way - is now available in this beautiful edition!
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