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3.37 AVERAGE
3.37 AVERAGE
I'm not certain if surrealism in literature is something I like or not, but I can say that I found this book evocative and unique, reminding me of the idea of French film.
I think one needs to be in a certain mood when approaching this book. It reads, a bit, like an excited friend who wants nothing more but to chatter on about the things in their life that they have found most meaningful between the last time you saw them and now. So, in a sense, one must approach this book the same way one would approach a friend who one would want to keep in this instance.
In other words, with a certain patient attitude of active listening given only to those we are most intimate. This attitude should also contain a sense of intrest and trust that whatever is about to be understood by the reader/listener is going to be worthwhile to listen to.
I think one needs to be in a certain mood when approaching this book. It reads, a bit, like an excited friend who wants nothing more but to chatter on about the things in their life that they have found most meaningful between the last time you saw them and now. So, in a sense, one must approach this book the same way one would approach a friend who one would want to keep in this instance.
In other words, with a certain patient attitude of active listening given only to those we are most intimate. This attitude should also contain a sense of intrest and trust that whatever is about to be understood by the reader/listener is going to be worthwhile to listen to.
Breton may have just solidified my liking for and appreciation of non-linear plots… and French surrealism.
“Nadja, because in Russian it’s the beginning of the word hope, and because it’s only the beginning.” “I am the soul in limbo.”
“Nadja, because in Russian it’s the beginning of the word hope, and because it’s only the beginning.” “I am the soul in limbo.”
Nadja is partly an autobiographical and imaginary story about Breton’s encounter with a woman. I have enjoyed Nadja a lot more than Soluble Fish by Breton. It is a uniquely beautiful story, I don't think I would really call it a romance as it is so singular in nature, where Breton meets a strangely charming waif-like lady named Nadja. The reason why he meets her for nearly a year is because she happens to be the "extreme limit of surrealism" (I think that's fine but it really isn't once he has demystified her to his requirements and abandons her).
Unlike Soluble Fish, Nadja has a linear storyline and thus one can sit and read without wondering if what they're reading is making sense or not. The character of Nadja is a composite figure, amounting to the amalgamation of the traits of two of Breton's muses: Leone and Susanne. I won't really call it a romantic story because Breton looks at Nadja as a muse, he often takes care of her in a paternal sense but this is as short-lived as almost a year. Unable to deal with her mounting needs, and bored of her as he has finally taken enough inspiration out of her, he begins to ignore her till she finally understands that she isn't needed and steps out of his life only to be soon admitted to a mental hospital.
Though reality seems to be not a very happy picture, Breton with his creativity is able to transform this phase of his life, along with other little incidents of his life into a strangely compelling surrealistic narrative that has been hailed as one of the best novels of surrealism.
Unlike Soluble Fish, Nadja has a linear storyline and thus one can sit and read without wondering if what they're reading is making sense or not. The character of Nadja is a composite figure, amounting to the amalgamation of the traits of two of Breton's muses: Leone and Susanne. I won't really call it a romantic story because Breton looks at Nadja as a muse, he often takes care of her in a paternal sense but this is as short-lived as almost a year. Unable to deal with her mounting needs, and bored of her as he has finally taken enough inspiration out of her, he begins to ignore her till she finally understands that she isn't needed and steps out of his life only to be soon admitted to a mental hospital.
Though reality seems to be not a very happy picture, Breton with his creativity is able to transform this phase of his life, along with other little incidents of his life into a strangely compelling surrealistic narrative that has been hailed as one of the best novels of surrealism.
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
I generally like stream of consciousness writing but this was so... I couldn't focus at all
Beauty will be CONVULSIVE or will not be at all.
https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2020/11/17/no-walk-is-ever-wasted/
https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2020/11/17/no-walk-is-ever-wasted/
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
DNF. Picked up to read along with another (Either/Or by Bautman) but ended up skimming really. Would likely enjoy if reading as part of a group, but alas.
challenging
mysterious
reflective