Reigen: Zehn Dialoge by Arthur Schnitzler
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Arthur Schnitzler’s 'Reigen' is a play that connects ten intimate scenes like links in a chain. We start with a soldier and a prostitute. After their encounter, the soldier meets a parlour maid. She later sees a young gentleman, who then visits a married woman, and so on. The chain continues through all levels of Viennese society—from artists and actresses to counts and back again—until it comes full circle.
The Story
The plot is simple in structure but deep in impact. Each of the ten scenes shows two people in a private moment, usually before or after sex. The dialogue reveals everything: their hopes, their lies, their boredom, and their power games. There’s no narrator judging them; we just watch as each character drops their public persona. The real story isn’t the act itself, but the revealing chatter around it—the negotiations, the excuses, and the silent disappointments.
Why You Should Read It
I was blown away by how fresh this feels for a book written over a century ago. Schnitzler isn’t just writing about sex; he’s writing about loneliness and the roles we play to connect with others. The characters all use each other, yet they’re all somehow vulnerable. It’s funny, cringe-worthy, and painfully honest by turns. Reading it feels like uncovering a hidden truth about human nature that polite society still tries to ignore.
Final Verdict
This book is perfect for readers who love sharp psychological insight and aren’t afraid of uncomfortable truths. If you enjoyed the tense dialogues in plays by Pinter or the social dissection in novels by Houellebecq, you’ll find a kindred spirit in Schnitzler. It’s a short, potent read that will stick with you, making you look at everyday conversations a little differently. A true classic that hasn’t aged a day.
This book is widely considered to be in the public domain. Preserving history for future generations.
Kimberly Jones
1 year agoAs someone who reads a lot, it manages to explain difficult concepts in plain English. A true masterpiece.
Brian Johnson
1 year agoThis is one of those stories where it manages to explain difficult concepts in plain English. I would gladly recommend this title.
Nancy Robinson
8 months agoThis is one of those stories where the atmosphere created is totally immersive. I couldn't put it down.
Michael Wilson
1 year agoThis is one of those stories where the emotional weight of the story is balanced perfectly. Definitely a 5-star read.
Karen Martin
3 months agoI have to admit, the storytelling feels authentic and emotionally grounded. I couldn't put it down.