Status Updates From Le Carillonneur

This book was published a year before Huysman's Cathedral. Given how close the two men were it is hard to imagine that the Bells of Bruges did not have some influence on Huysmans as he wrote his now more famous novel.

First impressions can sometimes be misleading but after two chapters, one sees the influence of J.K. Huysmans (La-bas) and Charles de Coster (Thyl Ulenspiegel). I guess you could say that the Bells of Bruges offers decadent patriotism.

"An equable temperament, seraphic mildness. Her voice came and went, always level, the same arpeggio of feathers. It had a calming effect, the simplicity of a sky breeze, something peaceful, soothing."

"The beauty of sorrow is superior to the beauty of life. It is the beauty of Bruges. Great glory that has gone! One last, fixed smile! Everything around us has withdrawn within itself: the waters are still, the houses closed, the bells whisper in the mist. That is the secret of its charm. Why want it to become like all the rest? It is unique. Walking through Bruges is like walking through memories . . ."

Este livro é um exercício fabuloso da utilização do tema da Morte e todos os seus adereços enquanto ferramentas de caracterização de um local (a cidade de Bruges) e o seu espírito.