Buddenbrooks: Parts 4-7

This weekend has been nice and quiet, so I've been able to motor along.
Good things so far: I really like the slice of life and the descriptions of the times: it really shows the differences between the various German areas and how divided they were, to the point where the language was divisive. Political life and trade are also well represented in Thomas and all his activities.
What I like less: I find that there is no real plot - it's hard to stay interested in the characters. In Wives and Daughters there was always a little hint of mystery or a secret that kept the plot moving along, which is missing here. I also find Tony an unlikely heroine - she plays a big role, but she's not very likable. She comes across as immature and spoiled and I can't believe she managed a second divorce - really! suck it up! especially in those days!
On to the last stretch which does not bode well....

I'm in Part 9. I love this book so far and am very engaged in the characters. I was just starting to feel bad for Tom-- guessing at his near future-- until Hanno started to play a more prominent role. He is pulling at my heartstrings and I want to slap Tom silly for being such an horrible father.

There are some really insightful bits here and there-- about human nature, and the cycle of lives and cities, etc. I hope to finish up this week.

I'm with you Tech. I think it is a wonderful book and an excellent story. I was actually surprised that this could come from Thomas Mann. Until I read this book, I did not think particularly much of his writing. A Death in Venice, for example, seem to me to have no plot and the characters were hollow.

Yeah it's a good read so far and actually quite funny...which i wasn't expecting. Some of the characterisations such as Tony's boarding school mistress and Tony's second husband are reminiscent of Dickens.

I've a feeling that Senator Buddenbrook's oath when taking office will come back to haunt him.