The most exciting book I have ever read ... a feverish fascinating novel Antony Beevor Sunday TelegraphI cant take any more of your revolting merciful kindnessWho would have thought that the great military hero Captain Hofmiller that living monument to his own courage would have anything burdening his soul But when he reveals his story it is not one of bravery but tragedy a simple blunder at a dance from which disaster grows ruining lives with his weak foolish pity...Beware of Pity is Stefan Zweigs greatest novel fiercely capturing human emotions in all their subtleties and extremes while Hofmiller his unforgettable nave creation misunderstands everything resulting in his downfall.Translated by Jonathan Katz. Previously published as Impatience of the Heart.