Knulp was the perfect book for me.
I had been precariously travelling around the country after an upsetting incident that ended with me losing my accommodation and then struggling with myself and the world. I find that in these times of questioning I need books more than ever and 'Knulp' by Herman Hesse was that rarest of stories found at the perfect moment. It healed some of my hurt.
With the wayward traveller Knulp I found a kindred spirit- a nomad in the world. Knulp has no occupation, yet knows a great deal of many things. He is loved by all but can never stay in one place for long as he does not want to have a home while he wishes to see the world. Others may find this irresponsible as he could have been a respectable person and practice a profession or a trade but Knulp needs his freedom to explore and discover.
Knulp earnest and sincere character made me respond to him so closely and immediately, a simple soul not wanting to complicate his life with the things that others have. For me I understood him so deeply, the need to be innocent with a wide eyed wonder about the world against the odds. To think that the book was written in 1917 shows how much of a searching of the soul the German Hesse has done, which gives it so much more of a poignant taste to Knulp's character.
Simply written and reflective it offers up a depth of feeling that other writers cannot achieve like Hesse.
The last part of the book was the most affecting aspect of the story where Knulp wonders if he has completely wasted his life, whether anything about it was good. This turns him into a fully rounded character where his experience catches up with him with a profound insight.
It is a wonderfully short novella that inspires as much as it consoles, about usual lives and our resolving ourselves to ourselves. One of my three favourite books, along with 'Auto-da-Fe' and 'The Clown' (what is it about German writers?) I highly recommend this book, particularly if you have become lost.
