I first encountered Marcel Proust in a college classroom. I have since read the entire series of In Search of Lost Time on two occasions. I have read Swann's Way the first book in the set three times. It is a difficult book to read in translation due to Proust's very long sentences, incredible detail and intricate knowledge of all things French, artistic, philosophical and poetic! The tubercular Marcel Proust (1871-1922) is a literary genius and his work is one of literature's essentials.
Alas and Alack! Most Americans do not read Proust. This graphic novel by Stephane Heuet serves a great resource to engender a love of the Proustian world for students and those unfamiliar with his work. As an old Proust fan I enjoyed the 200+ page book due to its reacquainting me with the story of the sensitive narrator from Combray and his infatuation with life and love. The book is divided into three parts in the graphic novel and in the original French book by Proust:
Part I-A brilliant evocative portrait of the French village of Combray where the narrator grew to adulthood. He tells us of the sights and sounds of provincial France and introduces us to his wealthy family's eccentric friends and relatives.
Part II-Swann in Love tells the story of the aristocratic Charles Swann and Odette the fallen women with whom he loves.
Part III-Names deals with the narrator's growing love for the daughter of Swann.
This book is an excellent work which would make a great gift to anyone who loves art or literature.
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