Gregor von Rezzori Criticism
Gregor von Rezzori, a Romanian-born novelist who writes in German, is renowned for his autobiographical fiction capturing the vibrant yet tumultuous atmosphere of Central Europe following World War I. Residing in Italy, Rezzori’s work deeply examines cultural tensions and prejudices of his time. His notable work, Memoirs of an Anti-Semite, a "novel in five stories," offers an ironic yet unsettling exploration of anti-Semitism, drawing from Rezzori's own experience with culturally inherited biases. This narrative has been acclaimed for its intense autobiographical elements and the compelling exploration of anti-Semitism in Central European history, as analyzed by critics such as Christopher Lehmann-Haupt and V. S. Pritchett. Additionally, Rezzori’s earlier work, The Hussar, is celebrated for its picaresque style and imaginative narrative technique, as well as its depiction of the imaginary city of Tchernopol, earning praise from critics like Richard Plant and Healey. His writing continues to provoke thought and discussion on themes of cultural diversity and prejudice.
Contents
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Scoundrels Had the Upper Hand in Every Way
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In the following essay, Richard Plant analyzes Gregor von Rezzori's novel "The Hussar," highlighting its picaresque style, mosaic of narrative techniques, and the author's playful yet nearly tragic storytelling, ultimately emphasizing Rezzori's inventive language and imaginative capacity.
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Sad, Witty and Charming
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In the following essay, Healey explores how Gregor von Rezzori's "The Hussar" blends childhood innocence and adult disillusionment to vividly depict the charms and contradictions of a Central European city, while also addressing themes of anti-Semitism and cultural diversity.
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'Memoirs of an Anti-Semite'
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In the following essay, Christopher Lehmann-Haupt analyzes Gregor von Rezzori's "Memoirs of an Anti-Semite," emphasizing its ironic title, intense autobiographical elements, and vivid exploration of anti-Semitism within the broader context of Central European history, while also lauding its narrative richness and the compelling voice of the author.
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Demon Lover
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In the following essay, V. S. Pritchett examines Gregor von Rezzori's "Memoirs of an Anti-Semite," highlighting its exploration of anti-Semitism, sexual desire, and class consciousness, while emphasizing Rezzori's candid portrayal of his interactions with Jewish individuals as a reflection of broader cultural and personal complexities.
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Sophisticated Barbarism
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In the following essay, Wieseltier critiques Gregor von Rezzori's Memoirs of an Anti-Semite as a provocative narrative that intertwines the author's elegant writing style with morally complex themes, exploring anti-Semitism as both a personal and aesthetic experience, and questioning the sincerity of Rezzori's portrayal of prejudice.
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Imaginings of a Life
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In the following essay, Stanley Kauffmann explores how Gregor von Rezzori's "Memoirs of an Anti-Semite" blurs the lines between autobiography and fiction, presenting a complex narrative that delves into the protagonist's culturally ingrained anti-Semitic views, offering an unsettling but honest reflection of personal and social dynamics.
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The Ultimate Other
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In the following essay, Vivian Gornick examines Gregor von Rezzori's Memoirs of an Anti-Semite, focusing on the author's complex portrayal of Jews as symbols of alienation and his ambivalence towards them, ultimately critiquing von Rezzori's nostalgic and unreflective narrative style.
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Goodbye to All That
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In the following essay, Harold Segel analyzes Gregor von Rezzori's Memoirs, arguing that its blend of autobiographical and fictional elements effectively critiques and satirizes the anti-Semitic, aristocratic society of his upbringing, while noting a narrative falter in the concluding chapter.
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Divided Soul
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In the following essay, Paul Gray contends that Memoirs of an Anti-Semite by Gregor von Rezzori masterfully depicts the unraveling of history within an individual's mind, illustrating how personal flaws, when magnified, can threaten civilization.