Essays in Love/a Novel [Paperback]

Alain De Botton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1995

Charting the progress of an affair, from first kiss to argument and reconciliation, from intimacy and tenderness to anxiety, this is a wholly modern attempt to define the age-old dilemmas of the heart by detailing the highs and lows of contemporary romance.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Picador (May 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0330334360
• ISBN-13: 978-0330334365
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #644,207 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Alain is the author of seven non-fiction books that look at the great questions of ordinary life - love, friendship, work, travel, home - in a way that is intellectually rigorous, therapeutic, amusing and always highly readable. His goal is to bring ideas back to where they belong: at the center of our lives.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Why do birds suddenly appear, any time you are near...", August 12, 2002

By 

K. A. Harris "mediapuzzle" (sydney) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Essays in Love/a Novel (Paperback)

In the words of Karen Carpenter, "they long to be , just like me, close to you". Here Alain just wants to be close to Chloe, or close to love more precisely. I enjoyed this read, as a philosophical discussion of love there is probably none better. Dont expect a love story though, the plot element of this 'novel' is very sparse, bordering on non existent, nothing really happens except for the fact that Alain takes us on a witty, funny , insightful and revealatory discussion on "what is love?". In fact this would have been a wonderful sub title for the book and is a must read for anyone who has oftened wondered. Once you have read the book, wonder no more about the question that poets, novelists and songwriters never tire of.
The limitations of the novel:
1. It makes no comment about what love means for the human race and draws no conclusions about the sociological implications of love, this is suprising given the authors distance and analysis of the condition. The argument for 'biological urge' would have upset the romantic element of the authors passion.
2. It is very english, proper and dignified. The protaginists are wealthy, successful and cute. Neither of them have any faults, doubts or problems and this creates a distance to the characters and aids in the philosophical discussion without getting to close to the 'people' concerned. Thus as a novel it fails.
Despite the above, the book is highly readable and I will no doubt read it again, you should too.

16 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The english edition of a wonderful book, November 5, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Essays in Love/a Novel (Paperback)

This is the English edition of what in the US was published as ON LOVE: it is quite the funniest, most intelligent book I have ever read on love. Please buy it, and you will see what I mean

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, August 23, 2011

By 

Kelly - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Essays in Love/a Novel (Paperback)

This book was amazing, De Bottom articulates everything better than one could say. He explains love and romance in such a poetic form that is relatable and sensible. Highly recommended.