The Year of Reading Proust discussion

Great idea!

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

My review is here:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I'm also placing some verse and haiku in My Writings:

http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/3...

I don't think I am equal to the task of reviewing the books, so I enjoy reading others!

Great idea, now I can feel less shameless for my self-promotion haha
Here's my Swann's Way review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I guess I should think of writing mine. I was waiting until I finish all seven, but it might be better spacing reviewing each volume.

Mine is over here.

I was considering reviewing it too. But as an aspiring fiction writer I have a rule for myself only to review non-fiction, at least unless and until I produce any notable work myself. Especially in this case, I feel unworthy.

Joshua wrote: "I was considering reviewing it too. But as an aspiring fiction writer I have a rule for myself only to review non-fiction, at least unless and until I produce any notable work myself. Especially in..."

In response to that I would argue for the "exercise your writing" clause. DO IT.

Jason wrote: "In response to that I would argue for the "exercise your writing" clause. DO IT."

Thanks Jason :) Maybe I will, in a secret notebook seen only by me!

I always feel lazy when writing my reviews! Or not writing them. But here is mine:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I was hesitant to post a review in the midst of such an acclaimed group, but here is my take on Swann's Way:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I enjoyed your review, Reem! Acclaim? I like posting pretty pictures, not claiming anything. :o)

Aloha wrote: "I enjoyed your review, Reem! Acclaim? I like posting pretty pictures, not claiming anything. :o)"

Oh don't be modest. I am in awe of all that you know and share with us, as I am of the rest of this group! Thanks to all of you who liked my "review". :)

I couldn't help but notice the phrase: shaken, not stirred.

Joshua wrote: "I was considering reviewing it too. But as an aspiring fiction writer I have a rule for myself only to review non-fiction, at least unless and until I produce any notable work myself. Especially in..."

Interesting as I have my own little weird rules when it comes to reading. I don't consider what I write under "reviews" as true reviews. Really they are just my jumbled thoughts.

Jeremy wrote: "I couldn't help but notice the phrase: shaken, not stirred."

Lol. Yeah, that bit was for you. When I started writing it, I thought I would just have a little fun with it. I should have spent more time writing it. It was me just being my impulsive self. I wouldn't call it a review either, more of a " my take" on the novel.

Hi.

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Here's mine, for Swann's Way. I feel as if after having read this book twice I ought to have more to say, but mostly I feel a little dazed by the experience.

Richard wrote: "Here's mine, for Swann's Way. I feel as if after having read this book twice I ought to have more to say, but mostly I feel a little dazed by the experience."

"...motifs are woven in and out: music..."
Your words make me think of Proust's love of Wagner...and Wagner's use of leitmotifs.

Love reading all your comments. I can only say that reading Proust feels like riding a roller coaster.......in slow motion, and the experience has made a few other books feel as if I were riding a bycicle........on cobblestones!

My review of Swann's Way.

I got about halfway through and realized that I had a hopeless task ahead of me, if I planned to hit all the highlights, or even most of them. There's too much that absolutely deserves mention to fit in a single review.

I have just posted my review and will proceed to read others...

Kalliope's Review of Du côté de chez Swann

A couple of wonderful reviews today! I really enjoyed Kalliope's and Madame X's angles.

I'm aiming for posting mine this weekend. I'm getting a clear idea of how I'll approach in the review of this multi-dimensional novel. But it's not the most difficult novel I've had to review. Women and Men was the hardest I've had to review.

Well... I manged one for Swann's Way, kind of...I think. Maybe. *closes eyes and turns head away* http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Not sure if I'll do any more, or wait until after the whole of ISOLT is completed. I'll probably wait.

You're too humble, Kyle! Your review was very enjoyable and on the mark. I need to go gather my posts here and notes in my eBook to start writing my review. That's one good thing about posting frequently in threads. You leave a trail of notes without realizing it. I might write reviews for the other volumes ahead of time while the details are fresh in my mind, but post each review at the end of each volume's reading period.

It is great to see all of these reviews. On the one hand Proust has affected us all in similar ways but on the other each of us carries a unique perspective that allowed us to be affected by the writing in varying degrees.

Aloha wrote: "You're too humble, Kyle! Your review was very enjoyable and on the mark. I need to go gather my posts here and notes in my eBook to start writing my review. That's one good thing about posting f..."

Good ideas! I imagine it would be much harder to write a Proust review so long after you read it. We've had some pretty good discussions in the threads, so going back and trying to net out old thoughts seems like it could bring some good results.

I just don´t know how I found this incredible link but I am totally fascinated.I am argentine and posting from my country.
I read vol I about 15 years ago in a reading group which concentrated mostly of the Bergson-Proust connection.So I found it so cold.
Since then I´ve been meaning to take Proust up again.A lit. professor -oddly called Beatriz,like the one leading Dante (?)- once said to me,"There will come a time when you´ll read Proust,there is always such a time,just pay attention."
...and here you are!!!I found you out while "sailing" the internet some last Wednesday.
I will be starting in Vol.II if this is allowed so as to keep with you your posts.
(I am following the thread on vol I as fast as possible) this is how I found out how much I had missed that first time.Work hours are the best to catch up with your posts ;).
I am reading a Spanish translation becuase here we have to do with whatever we can catch,not much choice.
Teh translation is by Estela Canto -one of Borges´muses) so I hope this will be an asset

Patricia wrote: "I just don´t know how I found this incredible link but I am totally fascinated.I am argentine and posting from my country.
I read vol I about 15 years ago in a reading group which concentrated most..."

Welcome Patricia. We're happy to have you read with us. :)

Welcome, Patricia! I'm glad that you'll be joining us.

I've been following threads in various discussions but haven't yet posted. I'm resolving to be a more active participant from now on! - so in that spirit, here's a link to my own review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

This is one of those books that makes me see the world different, with a bit more wonder. Proust has also had a positive influence on my writing. How could he not? Here is my review. I showed some restraint and didn't write the novella length review such a book demands. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Hello,

I am new to this group but you sound like a witty, smart bunch! I am still trying to find my way around, but I am glad I found you.

I'm glad you found your way to the group lounge. Welcome!

Here is my review of Du côté de chez Swann: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

A little late but in good time for Easter, my review of Du côté de chez Swann:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I'm finally being brave and posting this to the group. Here's the link to my review:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Margaret wrote: "I'm finally being brave and posting this to the group. Here's the link to my review:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

Great review, Margaret!

Oh, hell. I'll man up and submit my reviews for public scrutiny, too.

Swann's Way

Bonus review: In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower

Madeleine wrote: "Oh, hell. I'll man up and submit my reviews for public scrutiny, too.

Swann's Way

Bonus review: In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower"

Very impressed by your review!

Jocelyne wrote: "Very impressed by your review!"

Oh wow, thank you so much! Your unexpected kindness certainly added some cheer to my day. :)

Me too, Madeleine/madeleine,

I have a question that I hope someone can assist me with. It has to do with the 2nd volume-- "Within a Budding Grove".

Here's the question:

Why did Marcel's parents rent a house in St. Cloud when Marcel and his Grandmother went to Balbec? I know Marcel's parents stayed behind because Marcel's father had work to do, but St. Cloud is very close to Paris, so I wonder why they just didn't stay in their Paris house. It would seem odd to go through the process of renting a house? Thoughts? Thanks!

Not sure. But I think that since they're wealthy, it's a way of having a change of scenery even if Marcel's father had to stay to work.

My review of À l'ombre des jeunes filles en fleurs, part I.

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Fionnuala wrote: "My review of À l'ombre des jeunes filles en fleurs, part I.

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

Wow.. I will read it when I have finished the whole A l'ombre and written mine... which will still be a while...!!!

Sure, Kalliope. This is just the Autour de Mme Swann section. My edition has a separate volume for Nom de pays: le pays.

Ian wrote: "My review is here:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Thank you Ian your review has been very helpful and the music wonderful.