First published 1975
Narcissus, an ascetic monk, and Goldmund, a free-spirited youth, form an unlikely bond. Their philosophies clash as Goldmund embarks on a sensual quest, exploring art, love, and the limits of the flesh. Meanwhile, Narcissus grapples with his own spiritual yearnings. In this timeless tale, the two men's fates intertwine, leading to a reckoning that lays bare the tension between the sacred and the profane.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century
Vibes: atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Germany
Period: 20th-century
320 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Bantam