Fabulous, poetic novella - well worth a second reading. Le Grand Meaulnes (pronounced as the English 'moan' by the way) should have been a foretaste of a long and productive literary career. Thank goodness he completed it so young. In French, you seldom pronounce the last consonant of a word unless it is followed by an 'e'. Thank you for this lovely review. It is wonderful for this book to be given the attention it deserves.
Did fournier start the 27 club? One of my all time favourite books, first studied it in 1990 for french A-level, have read it many times since, always fresh, elusive and poignant. Many thanks, how about a few more french writers, Camus, Satre, Baudelaire?
Thanks for posting this. Its great to hear the thoughts and insight from someone who loved the book so much. I finished reading it today, and feel that there is so much that I didn't understand on first read - which I suppose mirrors Seurel's gradual learning of Meaulnes' secrets. I felt angry at Meaulnes at the end - leaving Yvonne before we learned of his other romance with Valentine, and his (guilt driven?) mission to reunite her with Frantz, only to blow his own chance at happiness with the girl he had once fallen in love with. You fool, I wanted to shout. On reflection, I suppose that is one of the book's central themes - hopeless, obsessive unrequited love.
I couldn't have put it better myself! I think maybe that's why we love the book so much, because it feels like a story that was never finished being told
Such an under-rated Classic, especially overlooked in America.
Thanks for your thoughts on this magical book... The first few lines are captivating and set the mood and atmosphere of this book.
Fabulous, poetic novella - well worth a second reading. Le Grand Meaulnes (pronounced as the English 'moan' by the way) should have been a foretaste of a long and productive literary career. Thank goodness he completed it so young. In French, you seldom pronounce the last consonant of a word unless it is followed by an 'e'.
Thank you for this lovely review. It is wonderful for this book to be given the attention it deserves.
Did fournier start the 27 club? One of my all time favourite books, first studied it in 1990 for french A-level, have read it many times since, always fresh, elusive and poignant. Many thanks, how about a few more french writers, Camus, Satre, Baudelaire?
Omg he did! The first and the best :) Good timing on your request too, literally just put up a Baudelaire vid
Excellent review, I am going to look to find this book. Thank you for the video.
Thanks for posting this. Its great to hear the thoughts and insight from someone who loved the book so much. I finished reading it today, and feel that there is so much that I didn't understand on first read - which I suppose mirrors Seurel's gradual learning of Meaulnes' secrets. I felt angry at Meaulnes at the end - leaving Yvonne before we learned of his other romance with Valentine, and his (guilt driven?) mission to reunite her with Frantz, only to blow his own chance at happiness with the girl he had once fallen in love with. You fool, I wanted to shout. On reflection, I suppose that is one of the book's central themes - hopeless, obsessive unrequited love.
I couldn't have put it better myself! I think maybe that's why we love the book so much, because it feels like a story that was never finished being told
God-level sweater
This is one of my favorite books. Also, Victoria by Knut Hamsun, although it's rather sad.
Am going to look into Victoria, thank you for the recommendation.
@@btetschner You're welcome.
This is a random recommendation but what about Agatha Christie? :)