The Stranger examines, in the author’s words, “the nakedness of man faced with the absurd.” This short novel features an ordinary man who gets sucked The Stranger examines, in the author’s words, “the nakedness of man faced with the absurd.” This short novel features an ordinary man who gets sucked into an extraordinary situation and then has to deal with society’s response. The philosophical explorations are interesting and build up to a very powerful final scene. But the writing is equally strong. Fans of Hemingway’s clipped, no-nonsense style will really enjoy this prose:
Then we went for a walk through the main streets to the other end of town. The women were beautiful and I asked Marie if she’s noticed. She said yes and that she understood what I meant. For a while neither of us said anything. But I wanted her to stay with me, and I told her we could have dinner together at Celeste’s. She would have liked to but she had something to do. We were near my place and I said goodbye to her. She looked at me. “Don’t you want to know what I have to do?” I did, but I hadn’t thought to ask, and she seemed to be scolding me. Then, seeing me so confused, she laughed again and she moved toward me with her whole body to offer me her lips.
The writing gets a little more lyrical at times, but if you like this direct style The Stranger is a real treat. It’s a very simple story on its face, but there are some big ideas rippling below the surface. This book is often cited as an example of existentialism, although Camus would probably have classified it under absurdism. Regardless, this was an interesting and enjoyable read. 4 stars, recommended.
Oh, and one random note (minor spoiler): (view spoiler)[I had no idea that the guillotine remained the official method of execution in France until the death penalty was abolished in 1981! 1981!!! As late as the ‘70s the French were using it. France! (hide spoiler)]...more
A big, swashbuckling 19th century adventure. I'm definitely due for a reread of this one, which I thoroughly enjoyed the first time around. 4 stars, rA big, swashbuckling 19th century adventure. I'm definitely due for a reread of this one, which I thoroughly enjoyed the first time around. 4 stars, recommended....more
The oldest surviving major work of French literature, and an entertaining medieval classic. This epic poem presents a stylized version of the Battle oThe oldest surviving major work of French literature, and an entertaining medieval classic. This epic poem presents a stylized version of the Battle of Roncevaux Pass (in 778), when Charlemagne's Christian forces fought the Spanish Muslims. If you enjoy epic poetry or medieval literature, this is not to be missed. 5 stars, highly recommended!...more
An intriguing revenge story about a woman whose throat was cut at birth and is out for payback. There are better Magical Realism books out there, but An intriguing revenge story about a woman whose throat was cut at birth and is out for payback. There are better Magical Realism books out there, but this was pretty good. 3 stars. ...more
One of the first (and most famous) volumes in Balzac's La Comédie humaine, this book tells the story of a young girl and her miserly father in post-reOne of the first (and most famous) volumes in Balzac's La Comédie humaine, this book tells the story of a young girl and her miserly father in post-revolution France. A solid read, with some strong tragic elements, but I wasn't swept off my feet by this one. Still, readers who enjoy historical fiction will find plenty to like. 3.5 stars, recommended....more
The British may have started the whole Arthurian movement, but the French really took it to the next level. French writers added a number of innovatioThe British may have started the whole Arthurian movement, but the French really took it to the next level. French writers added a number of innovations to the legend we know and love today, including the character of Lancelot. Chrétien introduced the character in Erec and Enide, then added the whole Guinevere love wrinkle in The Knight of the Cart. Both of these poems are included in this collection, along with Cligès, Yvain, and Perceval.
Altogether this excellent collection contains all five of Chrétien's major poems. These works were highly influential to the later development of the Arthurian legend, and Camelot buffs will really enjoy this volume. C'mon...it's first appearance of Lancelot in world literature! If that piques your interest, you will like this book. 4 stars, recommended. ...more
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