I love this for the mysticism (they have a glass bead game!), the poetic descriptions of nature and the questioning of the Self. I think it was such a realistic portrayal of the main character's mind, at least I really got into it.

What I didn't notice when reading it for the first time were misogynistic and transmisic undertones :F it didn't spoil the book completely for me, but it's the reason this isn't 5 stars for me. might well ruin it for others.

also, if you're into plot-driven stories, don't pick this up.