Irvin D. Yalom's When Nietzsche Wept is praised for its compelling blend of philosophy and fiction, providing deep psychological insights alongside an engaging narrative. Readers appreciate the exploration of intellectual themes and character development, though some critique the pacing and occasional anachronisms. Overall, a thought-provoking read with minor flaws.

A reader who would enjoy When Nietzsche Wept by Irvin D. Yalom is likely fascinated by philosophy, psychology, and historical fiction. They appreciate intellectually stimulating narratives akin to Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha and Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being, blending deep existential questions with rich character development.

When Nietzsche Wept by Irvin D. Yalom is a 1992 novel set in Vienna in 1882, imagining a collaboration between German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and physician Josef Breuer, who believes Nietzsche's physical ailments are psychological. Employing a pioneering "talking cure," their interaction evolves into mutual therapy, exploring the origins of psychoanalysis and Nietzsche's philosophy. The novel was adapted into a 2007 film directed by Pinchas Perry.

Mysterious / Contemplative / Emotional / Challenging

- When Nietzsche Wept integrates real historical figures, such as German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and Viennese physician Josef Breuer, into a fictional narrative that explores the interplay of philosophy and psychoanalysis.
- The novel's author, Irvin D. Yalom, is a renowned psychiatrist and psychotherapist, and he's known for his works that blend psychotherapy concepts with historical and philosophical elements.
- In 2007, When Nietzsche Wept was adapted into a film of the same name, directed by Pinchas Perry, showcasing the novel's enduring appeal and cross-media relevance.

**Josef Breuer**  
An eminent 40-year-old physician in Vienna, based on a real historical figure, who struggles with personal despair and is known for developing the "talking cure" method for treating patients with mental health challenges.

**Friedrich Nietzsche**  
A brilliant but relatively unknown philosopher at the time of the novel, who suffers from a variety of illnesses and is introduced to Dr. Breuer for assistance, leading to a dynamic interaction between them.

**Lou Salome**  
A fiercely independent woman who propels the novel's plot by persuading Breuer to see Nietzsche and is involved in a notable past relationship with him, demonstrating her complexity and defiance of societal norms.

**Mathilde Breuer**  
Josef Breuer's wife, who comes from a wealthy family, is Jewish, and experiences strain in her marriage due to her husband's obsessive work habits and the suspicion of infidelity.

**Sigmund Freud**  
A young 29-year-old aspiring research scientist and mentee of Breuer who forms a close professional and personal relationship with him, and assists in the development of early theories related to psychoanalysis.

**Bertha Pappenheim**  
A patient treated by Breuer with the "talking cure" for her hysteria, whose condition and interactions deeply affect Breuer’s personal and professional life, coupled with broader themes of societal perceptions of women.

Irvin D. Yalom

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When Nietzsche Wept Summary

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When Nietzsche Wept Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

When Nietzsche Wept Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

When Nietzsche Wept Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

When Nietzsche Wept Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-17

When Nietzsche Wept Chapters 13-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-22

When Nietzsche Wept Chapters 18-22 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

When Nietzsche Wept Character Analysis

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Themes

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When Nietzsche Wept Symbols & Motifs

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When Nietzsche Wept: A Novel Of Obsession

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