Pierre et Jean (Oxford World's Classics) [Paperback]

Guy de Maupassant (Author), Robert Lethbridge (Author), Julie Mead (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 21, 2002 | Series: Oxford World's Classics

Henry James's admiration for "this masterly little novel" has been echoed throughout the twentieth century by readers of Pierre et Jean. It marked a turning point in the development of French fiction, situated as it is between traditional social realism and the psychological novel. It is recognized as a classic study of filial jealousy, triggered by one of the two brothers of its title finding himself the sole inheritor of the fortune of his mother's former lover.

Pierre et Jean is set in Le Havre in the 1880s and is notable for its evocation of the Normandy coastline captured by the Impressionists. But Maupassant's greatest achievement is to have woven from this simple plot in a maritime context a brilliantly crafted exploration of the complexities at the heart of family life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

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--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (March 21, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019283147X
• ISBN-13: 978-0192831477
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,495,827 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional book - Bad translation., February 1, 2001

By 

JWC (Spartanburg, South Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pierre and Jean (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

I love the book <<Pierre et Jean>>. I first read it in my Advanced Placement French Language/Literature class. After reading this particular English translation - the Penguin version - I was dismayed at the lack of English grammar the translator exhibited. The book has major grammar mistakes in almost every chapter. Some of these mistakes are not too picky either. For example, the subjunctive mood is often tossed aside by the author. I recommend the book to everyone, but please purchase a different translation - he didn't do the best job with this one. Enjoy!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sibling Rivalry, November 4, 2002

By 

R. J. Marsella (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pierre et Jean (Oxford World's Classics) (Paperback)

This short novel just blew me away with intense and detailed characterzations and a plot that builds tension based on the interaction between the members of a family that is nearly rocked by a seemingly positive development. The two grown brothers are established as near opposites in almost every detail and when one inherits money from an old family acquaintance the reason behind their differences becomes the driving force of the story and it's revelation nearly rips the family apart.
A short novel that will stay with you for some time after reading it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good story, February 27, 2000

By 

Marc L. Lauterbach "mlauterbach12" (Williamsburg, Va.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pierre Et Jean (French Edition) (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is one of Maupassant's finest works. It concerns the intruiges between two brothers (Pierre et Jean) when Jean inherits a large sum of money from a "familly friend" whom Pierre secretly suspects of being the father of his brother Jean. A great book, and a very interesting look at French society in the mid 1880's.