Marcel Proust

by Roger Shattuck

The description for this book, Marcel Proust, will be forthcoming.

Genres: Literary Criticism, Literature, Nonfiction, Classics, France, Criticism

179 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1974

Reviews

[Adam Dalva · Rating 4 out of 5]

The warmth, affection, and care of Shattuck makes this a great companion to Proust. I preferred this earlier book to "Proust's Way," since it's structured organically and is wonderfully encouraging and sharp throughout. I particularly enjoyed the structural analysis (great diagrams!), and the long examination of the use of humor in the novel. I've been surprised with how little attention is generally paid to Proust's comedic timing, so that was a treat. There is little wheel reinvention going on here, but Shattuck's concision and systemic approach helped me wrap my head around Proust's sprawl.

[Ivy-Mabel Fling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure that I have found the right book here - mine is by the same man but is called Proust. At any rate it is interesting, albeit somewhat complex. I would certainly need to read it a second time.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wenn man das schmale Bändchen in die Hand nimmt, Prousts Porträt auf dem Einband sieht - nicht zu vergessen den Titel "Marcel Proust" - , könnte man mit einiger Berechtigung eine Biographie erwarten. Ich bin im positiven Sinne enttäuscht worden, weil Shattuck eine Analyse der "Suche nach der verlorenen Zeit" vorgelegt hat. Zwar bezieht er Prousts Leben und seine Verbindungen zum Werk mit ein, das Hauptaugenmerk liegt jedoch darauf, einen theoretischen Zugang zum Roman zu schaffen. Shattucks These ist präzise formuliert, nachvollziehbar belegt und bildet so einen wirklichen Anreiz, sich intensiver mit der Lektüre auseinanderzusetzen. Mir persönlich hat die Untersuchungen von Prousts Humor am besten gefallen, weil sie eine für mich ungewöhnliche Lesereaktion (häufiges Schmunzeln, manchmal lautes Lachen) erklärt hat. Trotz der wissenschaftlichen Sprache und des hohen Alters von nun 40 Jahren ist der Band immer noch zu empfehlen. Warnung für diejenigen, die Spoiler fürchten: Das Werk wird vom Ende her erklärt!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Goodreads rating system is based not on the value of the book but on how much you liked it. I think it's really a 5 star book in its analysis of Proust and À la recherche, but it was so intellectual, so challenging, so deep, that i have to say I liked it rather than loved it. I think I would have to read it and Proust's great work a few times to really GET it. I'm just not that brainy. Nonetheless, it was a great intro and well worth my time.

[Michael Jarvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pithy and insightful introduction to Proust's magnum opus In Search of Lost Time.

[Catherine Corman · Rating 5 out of 5]

He followed what he told Louis de Robert was his "only rule": "to yield to one's demon to the point of exhaustion."

-Roger Shattuck, Marcel Proust

[Richard Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice overview.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful and clarifying guide to Proust.