I started reading it because I saw it recommended here 2-3 years ago on one of the end of year book threads. I’m still somewhere at around 40% according to my Kindle. I like the style and the way Mann paints the world so to say, like the world it creates in your imagination, but I find it so dragged and boring, I just can’t get myself to read it for long.

Same. I would not say unreadable (read it in German). I just found it remarkably boring given the glowing reviews.

Boring is a part of the theme. The various ways the bored patients on top of their mountain castle (or prison) spend their time. And how in this boredom the protagonist finds the time to go deeper, not longing for shallow distractions, but meaning (and love).

The translation I had contained long sections in French.

Because the original does as well. But there’s a more recent translation that also translates the parts in French and uses italics to mark them.

Yes, I know the original does. But ironically my German is better than my French. (And the version I had didn't provide a translation of the French.)