It seems to be Proust madness in the publishing world. Starting back with de Botton's How Proust Can Change Your Life, the trend of dropping Proust's name into book titles has taken off like wildfire. He is now a Neuroscientist, hangs out with squids, and requires mutiple guides to accompany his work, including a special questionnaire.
So what about his work? A number of us have taken the dive this winter and spent the rainy days these past weeks in LA going straight to the source by reading Swann's Way, volume one of the epic In Search of Lost Time. And you know what- we love it!
Even though staffer Paige read the entire series in both English and French for her thesis, those of us less specialized in French Lit are having a good time with it, too.
It's pretty beautiful stuff. Try the Lydia Davis translation- it's dreamy. We promise greatness no matter where you live right now, because this weather isn't going to let you have picnics for quite a while. Enjoy your indoor days- make tea! Sip it and munch on madeleines with the source of that craze.
We promise you'll be pleasantly surprised.
2 comments:
How about offering a short term book group/gathering for just Swanns Way? I'd love to read it, but would need to read it with other people to talk about it.
Kim-
Great idea! We are working on just such a concept. Make sure you sign up for our newsletter so you are up to date... sign up at www.booksoup.com
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