Reviews

Sofies verden - roman om filosofiens historie by Jostein Gaarder

internal_struggle's review against another edition

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4.0

Good overview of the history of European philosophy; nice existential twist. Too kind to Christianity.

thelesbianmama's review against another edition

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adventurous informative mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.75

A must-read for all high schoolers and adults who want to start their philosophical journey. However, still keep your critical glasses on while reading because this presentation of history of philosophy is by no means complete or flawless. 

kats4's review against another edition

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3.0

Clever but tedious at times

georgiefay's review against another edition

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3.0

I learned so much from this book and it helped me to put so much into place in terms of history, people, thought and various scientific terms. I also loved the characters and it being set in Norway but I found it really difficult to read and there was almost too much to put into place, if you asked me what Plato said and thought in comparison to Satre, Descartes or Thomas Aquinas - I still wouldn’t be able to explain!!!

caterinasforza's review against another edition

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4.0

Roman okuyacağım derken 15 yaşında bir kız için verilen felsefe kursunun içinde buldum kendimi, hem de ne kurs, felsefeyle ilgili temel bilgileri verirken sürükleyici kurgusuyla okuma isteğini arttıran bir yapısı var.

Felsefi bilgilerin arasında Hilde ve Sofie'nin öyküsü velhasıl.

Keyifliydi! :)

singerduluth's review against another edition

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5.0

An excellent introduction to philosophy. Cool story as well.

newbiehooman's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

brughiera's review against another edition

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3.0

As promised, this book does give an introductory overview of philosophical thought in an unusual way. The reader enters into Sophie's quest to unravel the mystery of the notes and postcards and later participates in her philosophy lessons with Alberto. Perhaps most interesting, as it delves into the foundations of philosophical thought, is the doubt cast on Sophie's existence as other than a figment of the imagination of Hilde's father. This is a clever interrogation of multiple realities.

I found Sophie herself rather irritating, particularly her observations during Alberto's expositions, but realize that these probably help to clarify the concepts. One loose end was her father, absent at sea. Alberto obviously takes on the role of father-figure but never quite steps into these shoes and the parallel figure of Hilde's father suggests Sophie's yearning for a more regular family situation.

misanthropicvoid's review against another edition

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challenging reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

jvance325's review against another edition

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4.0

I read this book in middle school challenge. It had such an impact on me and even thinking back on it It was such a great way of making philosophy interesting. Especially to a middle school reader.