Love. Loyalty. Betrayal.
An unexpected romance that would affect generations yet unborn.
In the year 1882, Friedrich Nietzsche, the most brilliant philosopher of the 19th century, was on the brink of creating his masterwork of the human spirit when he fell in love with the most provocative woman of the age, the vivacious and young Lou von Salomé—and the course of human history was changed forever.
Zarathustra is biographical fiction about the life of the 19th century philosophical genius, Friedrich Nietzsche. The novel represents the pivotal point in Nietzsche's life when he fell in love with the provocative and emancipated young Lou von Salomé (who in later life would come to associate closely with people like Rilke and Freud). The facts of Nietzsche's connection with her are represented as accurately but also as entertainingly as possible. The novel fleshes out the character of Nietzsche, his relationship with his sister, with Richard and Cosima Wagner, and with others. Above all, this is a true-life romance that is all the more special because of the individuals involved. The point of departure in this novel is simply this: had we been a fly on the wall, we might well have witnessed something very much like the human drama that is presented here.
Excerpt
Fritz smiled. "Indeed, a good friend one can always use. But beware!" he admonished as he wagged his finger at Paul. "For now we're talking about a very special species of friend--as illusive as a dream, as cruel or as loving as you might imagine; creatures that are worshipped, abused, poeticized, misunderstood. They are our inspiration and our curse, and, I believe, are really the better part of mankind: women!"
"Hm..." Paul murmured.
"So while you sit and enjoy yourself watching these exotic creatures preen themselves, old friend," Fritz went on, "always remember: the species counts among its number not only the rasorial but also the raptorial, and it's the raptors you'll have to watch out for. They're the most delectable, the sweetest birds of the bunch. But mind: before you know what's happened, they'll slice you through like a cheese with their razor talons, smiling all the while as though they were doing you a favor. Who knows?" Fritz said with a shrug of the shoulders. "Perhaps they are."
Professional Reviews
On Amazon.com
5 STARS. Based on the life Friedreich Nietzsche, November 14, 2002
Reviewer: Midwest Book Review from Oregon, WI USA.
Set in 1882, Zarathustra is a novel by Walter Stewart based on the life Friedreich Nietzsche, a philosopher who was on the brink of ultimate insight into the human spirit when he fell in love with the provocative and enthusiastic young woman Lou von Salome. Zarathustra is a deeply romantic novel of love at cross-purposes, sudden betrayal, and the lasting impressions of the human heart on one man whose philosophy would influence and affect the 20th Century
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