What a wonderful video, Aaron! I ended up putting the book down about half way through volume three. You’ve convinced me to pick it back up and have another go at it.
Even if reading all three volumes may or may not be worth it, I believe anyone seriously interested in literature should read the overture, take a seat in that "magic chair" and become acquainted with the unique style of Proust.
Congratulations, Aaron! Such an accomplishment. I have a gorgeous Modern Library boxed set, given to me as a gift and I started reading it years ago, I had every intention of reading a few pages a day till I was done. But other books intruded and I gave up midway through Swann’s Way, and now they’re just looking pretty on my shelf. I’ve been following your journey, but it wasn’t till this video (and the quote you read) that I was tempted to pick it up again. I hope I do.
Thank you, Elizabeth! To be fair, that Modern Library set does look very nice on a shelf! I've seen a few people on BookTube with that set and have felt a slight tinge of covetousness. I hope you manage to pick it up again, and that you really enjoy something of what you find in it!
Well Aaron, I didn't think it was possible but you have convinced me. I already own the first book (In Harms Way?) and I keep setting it aside. It sounds as though it is important to read it slowly and ask yourself what can you learn, does any of this apply to me and then move on. I really like the idea of perhaps only reading 10 pages a day. After all we live our lives a single day at a time why not go slowly with this exploration. Ok, I will put it on the TBR and not push too hard once I start it. Thank you very much for a very insightful and thoughtful group of comments. I have a feeling that eventually I will read them all.
Oh wow. that's great! Yes, I definitely think that that's the way to go - slowly and reflectively. I hope you really enjoy the experience when you get to it. The best of luck to you! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I read the first volume, Swann’s way, two or three years ago. I really liked it, but somehow I have not yet picked up the second volume, even thought I have it on my shelves. Soon, I keep telling myself. 😁
I finished it all earlier this year as well. I loved the Moncrieff version, but there are more modern translations. Yes, I agree that it is self reflective as well as musings on time, memory, psychoanalysis, history, art, hubris etc. It is expansive and the language is so beautiful. I'm so glad I read it and so many parts have stayed with me. My favorite is in The Prisoner where he describes all the street vendors and the sounds of their 'come buy calls'.
Yes, I really enjoyed those sections as well. I think my favourite overall was the end of The Fugitive, or maybe the beginning of Time Regained. I'm sure I'll be revisiting this many times!
I’ve read 2/3rds of _Swann’s Way_ so I’m not worried about the style. And I remember well enough so I don’t think I’d have to reread it. But your experience makes me wonder if I should at least finish off that first part. I have the Scott Moncrieff set. (I got through _Gulag Archipelago_ and I’m sure Proust is better than that.) Good job!
Thank you, David! If it's worth my saying so, I find Gulag Archipelago incredibly intimidating even after finishing Proust -- but I suppose there are other factors at play. However, if it will encourage you to finish off the first volume, I will say that the last few pages of Swann's Way is one of my favourite moments in the entire novel...
I think I can do that. Maybe in October. 200pp of _Swann’s Way_ isn’t too hefty a commitment. Then next year if I feel like tackling another, I can do that. Or not. 👍
A group of people are planning to read Proust next year. I'm very tempted to join in, just to use it as an excuse to read Lydia Davis' translation of Swann's Way... We shall see!
Aaron, gostei muito dos seus comentários, têm uma abordagem original. Detalhes que talvez pouquíssimas pessoas tenham percebido no livro. Principalmente quando você fala de ter sentido um certo sadismo grande maioria das personagens, e que também são ridículas. Penso que você tem material até para uma tese acadêmica. Também concordo quando você diz que podemos refletir com Proust sobre nossas relações com as pessoas e com as coisas. " Descobri" Proust aos 30 anos, estou com 61, e, já li e reli a série 6 vezes, sempre com descobertas e com mais prazer na leitura. Gratidão !!
Obrigado pelo seu comentário, isso é muito gentil da sua parte. É lindo saber que você descobre mais e mais em Proust a cada releitura. Estou ansioso para passar muito mais tempo com este trabalho nos próximos anos. Desculpe se isso não faz muito sentido - tive a ajuda do Google com a tradução!
How would you classify Proust's style of writing. Could he have advanced Freud's sexuality theories. Or did he learn from Freud to speak of homosexuality.
I'd be hesitant to call Proust's writing stream of consciousness (I've heard a few people call it that and can't quite see it). The description I keep coming back to is wave-like: it takes it's time, builds gradually, and is very associative. I'm not entierly sure how aware Proust and Freud were of each other. I get the impression that a lot of what is in the books is inspired by Proust's experience and the people he knew, but he may very well have formed certain opinions after reading Freud. Or as you say, it may very well have been the other way around.
I would say if you’re still in like high school and real interested in literature, read it all for those reasons. If not just leave it and watch videos like these or read summaries and stuff. And if you’re into writing, you should just use your time to write I stead of reading this.
What a wonderful video, Aaron!
I ended up putting the book down about half way through volume three. You’ve convinced me to pick it back up and have another go at it.
Thank you, Joshua! Volume 3 is still pretty far through! I hope it's a great experience for you when you pick it back up. 🙂
Even if reading all three volumes may or may not be worth it, I believe anyone seriously interested in literature should read the overture, take a seat in that "magic chair" and become acquainted with the unique style of Proust.
Absolutely! It's always heartening to see a writer who is in love with literature and can so clearly convey it in their writing.
i like how you describe his style as wave-like
Thank you 🙂
Congratulations! I want to read The Hare with the Amber Eyes 😊
Thank you, Summer! The Hare with Amber Eyes is really, really good!
Congratulations, Aaron! Such an accomplishment. I have a gorgeous Modern Library boxed set, given to me as a gift and I started reading it years ago, I had every intention of reading a few pages a day till I was done. But other books intruded and I gave up midway through Swann’s Way, and now they’re just looking pretty on my shelf. I’ve been following your journey, but it wasn’t till this video (and the quote you read) that I was tempted to pick it up again. I hope I do.
Thank you, Elizabeth! To be fair, that Modern Library set does look very nice on a shelf! I've seen a few people on BookTube with that set and have felt a slight tinge of covetousness. I hope you manage to pick it up again, and that you really enjoy something of what you find in it!
Well Aaron, I didn't think it was possible but you have convinced me. I already own the first book (In Harms Way?) and I keep setting it aside. It sounds as though it is important to read it slowly and ask yourself what can you learn, does any of this apply to me and then move on. I really like the idea of perhaps only reading 10 pages a day. After all we live our lives a single day at a time why not go slowly with this exploration.
Ok, I will put it on the TBR and not push too hard once I start it. Thank you very much for a very insightful and thoughtful group of comments. I have a feeling that eventually I will read them all.
Oh wow. that's great! Yes, I definitely think that that's the way to go - slowly and reflectively. I hope you really enjoy the experience when you get to it. The best of luck to you! 🙂
What an accomplishment!
Thank you, Debora!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I read the first volume, Swann’s way, two or three years ago. I really liked it, but somehow I have not yet picked up the second volume, even thought I have it on my shelves. Soon, I keep telling myself. 😁
Haha, I hope you manage to get to volume two relatively soon! 😋
I finished it all earlier this year as well. I loved the Moncrieff version, but there are more modern translations. Yes, I agree that it is self reflective as well as musings on time, memory, psychoanalysis, history, art, hubris etc. It is expansive and the language is so beautiful. I'm so glad I read it and so many parts have stayed with me. My favorite is in The Prisoner where he describes all the street vendors and the sounds of their 'come buy calls'.
Yes, I really enjoyed those sections as well. I think my favourite overall was the end of The Fugitive, or maybe the beginning of Time Regained. I'm sure I'll be revisiting this many times!
I think the translation by Terence Kilmartin is not perhaps better but less inhibited.
I’ve read 2/3rds of _Swann’s Way_ so I’m not worried about the style. And I remember well enough so I don’t think I’d have to reread it. But your experience makes me wonder if I should at least finish off that first part. I have the Scott Moncrieff set. (I got through _Gulag Archipelago_ and I’m sure Proust is better than that.)
Good job!
Thank you, David! If it's worth my saying so, I find Gulag Archipelago incredibly intimidating even after finishing Proust -- but I suppose there are other factors at play. However, if it will encourage you to finish off the first volume, I will say that the last few pages of Swann's Way is one of my favourite moments in the entire novel...
I think I can do that. Maybe in October. 200pp of _Swann’s Way_ isn’t too hefty a commitment. Then next year if I feel like tackling another, I can do that. Or not. 👍
Still thinking you should read the more recent Lidia (Lydia?) translation of book one. Mmmmmm...
A group of people are planning to read Proust next year. I'm very tempted to join in, just to use it as an excuse to read Lydia Davis' translation of Swann's Way... We shall see!
Highly recommend "Proust among the Stars", by Malcolm Bowie. Best commentary on the novel I've read.
That sounds great. Thanks for the recommendation!
Aaron, gostei muito dos seus comentários, têm uma abordagem original. Detalhes que talvez pouquíssimas pessoas tenham percebido no livro. Principalmente quando você fala de ter sentido um certo sadismo grande maioria das personagens, e que também são ridículas. Penso que você tem material até para uma tese acadêmica. Também concordo quando você diz que podemos refletir com Proust sobre nossas relações com as pessoas e com as coisas. " Descobri" Proust aos 30 anos, estou com 61, e, já li e reli a série 6 vezes, sempre com descobertas e com mais prazer na leitura. Gratidão !!
Obrigado pelo seu comentário, isso é muito gentil da sua parte. É lindo saber que você descobre mais e mais em Proust a cada releitura. Estou ansioso para passar muito mais tempo com este trabalho nos próximos anos. Desculpe se isso não faz muito sentido - tive a ajuda do Google com a tradução!
Its about us. All of us
Its the theory of everything
How would you classify Proust's style of writing. Could he have advanced Freud's sexuality theories. Or did he learn from Freud to speak of homosexuality.
I'd be hesitant to call Proust's writing stream of consciousness (I've heard a few people call it that and can't quite see it). The description I keep coming back to is wave-like: it takes it's time, builds gradually, and is very associative. I'm not entierly sure how aware Proust and Freud were of each other. I get the impression that a lot of what is in the books is inspired by Proust's experience and the people he knew, but he may very well have formed certain opinions after reading Freud. Or as you say, it may very well have been the other way around.
I would say if you’re still in like high school and real interested in literature, read it all for those reasons. If not just leave it and watch videos like these or read summaries and stuff. And if you’re into writing, you should just use your time to write I stead of reading this.