Thomas Mann’s monumental novel offers a captivating exploration of a decaying European society on the brink of the First World War. Set against the backdrop of a luxurious sanatorium nestled high in the Swiss Alps, we delve into the lives of a diverse cast of characters from the bourgeois elite, each grappling with ailments, particularly consumption, while simultaneously indulging in the pleasures and distractions of life. This rich narrative interweaves elements of surreal comedy, stark tragedy, and profound allegory, establishing Manns work as a cornerstone of twentieth-century literature. Summary by Steve Gough.