Albert Cohen's masterpiece is intimidating both for its size and chapter-long sentences. But, please, do not be discouraged. This is one of the most insightful novels I have read. It delves into the bureacratic labyrinth of international institutions, mocks their functionaries, and is a haunting critique of European virtues on the eve of the Second World War. (Particularly funny for those familar with the World Bank, UN, or government anywhere).
But, most importantly, it portrays the relationship between men and women in a profound yet comic way. The book's difficulty is quite worth the struggle, especially when you reach the chapter where Solal seduces his beloved. A chapter that is hard for me to forget, for it shows just how stupid and cruel we are.
This is not for the lazy readers, but if you have any guts, read this one. Its worth the while.
THE ultimate love story (
alienorhuman)
Cohen's stream of consciousness - beautiful- style leaves us no escape from this absolute, uncompromising love. I have read the book many times, and it never fails to overwhelm me...although I should add that I have never been able to read the last 20 pages... Ariane and Solal are the most beautiful lovers since forever, unconcerned by others - it is the history of love from start to, ufortunately, the end..
(By the way, the novel does not take place in France, but Switzerland)
Belle du Seigneur: A Novel. By Albert Cohen
THE story of love and life. The best 20th century novel. This magnificent opus of Albert Cohen is much more than The story of love. It is the story of the dream of love (not only personal, but also in its abstract form) and its impossible realization. It offers an original view of both male and female human nature in matters of love and life. It also contains some of the funniest chapters describing bourgeois society (Swiss, French, Belgian, German, Jewish - you name it) and its values and prejudices, and diplomatic life. Some may find it exaggerated and longwinded, but others will enjoy every single word, and re-read this book every so often. If you can't read it in the original French, don't miss this opportunity and read the English translation.
Belle du Seigneur: A Novel. By Albert Cohen
A great story in need of editing If only Albert Cohen had had an editor to make him see sense! The story of Solal's myth of love, resolutely opposed to modern views though it is, will haunt whoever reads it; the sarcastic parody of traditional diplomatic bureaucracy is as close to target as Dilbert is in today's corporate world. But for all his mastery of style, Cohen overdoes it, and not just by a little bit. When you're on page 600 and are just about to start another 50-page monologue with no punctuation and no particular role in the development of the story, you can not help but wonder how much better Belle du Seigneur would be if it was only half its current size.
Belle du Seigneur: A Novel. By Albert Cohen
Dont be afraid... This book is 850 pages thick in the French version. But we are talking abt 850 pages of pure romance. 850 pages of emotions. A quest for true love, redemption through love... Christophe Xof
Belle du Seigneur: A Novel. By Albert Cohen
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