The Magic Mountain

"The Magic Mountain," written by Thomas Mann, is a novel set in a Swiss sanatorium in the early 20th century. It follows Hans Castorp, a young German man who visits a tuberculosis clinic and becomes immersed in the lives of the other patients. The story explores themes of time, illness, and the contrast between life and death, as well as philosophical debates about society and existence. Through Hans’s prolonged stay, the novel reflects on the changing world outside, encapsulating the tensions of pre-World War I Europe. Its dense, introspective style makes it a significant work of modern literature.