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tokugawaa's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
grace_ml's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
dcantrick's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
it was okay
alli_thebookgiraffe's review against another edition
4.0
This is another book i had to read for my World Literature class. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I feel like a lot happened in a small amount of time. I do like the message of optimism and everything happening the way it is meant to be. I also like the inclusion of El Dorado. I wish there was more scenes in El Dorado.
sodalita's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
armandtalpa's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
angethology's review against another edition
3.0
"What is this optimism?"
"Alas ... it is the madness of maintaining that everything is right when it is wrong."
Candide is a satirical novella following the titular character and his series of misfortunes, heeding his mentor's (Pangloss) motto that "all is for the best" — at least for a while. Upon being struck by bad luck after bad luck and being driven to travel all over the world, Candide discovers that the world is not so peachy after all.
Having been sheltered by bad events all his life, he has to learn the hard way to maintain his sense of optimism (which eventually dissipates) while still holding a realistic outlook on life. His naivete is evident, and at some point it almost becomes a humorous competition of which character has it the worst. The translation I read was easily digestible and not convoluted, and also funny occasionally, but I did find the plot lackluster at times. I didn't mind it that much because of its short length, and the funny quips are what kept me engaged.
My favorite is "is there not pleasure ... In criticizing everything, in pointing out faults where others see nothing but beauties?"
The book ultimately reminds us that we're not alone in our suffering; it's not always something that happens for a reason nor is it something to be glorified. But it is something that isn't unique to us alone, and there are a lot of things we can learn about ourselves in such mishappenings.
"Alas ... it is the madness of maintaining that everything is right when it is wrong."
Candide is a satirical novella following the titular character and his series of misfortunes, heeding his mentor's (Pangloss) motto that "all is for the best" — at least for a while. Upon being struck by bad luck after bad luck and being driven to travel all over the world, Candide discovers that the world is not so peachy after all.
Having been sheltered by bad events all his life, he has to learn the hard way to maintain his sense of optimism (which eventually dissipates) while still holding a realistic outlook on life. His naivete is evident, and at some point it almost becomes a humorous competition of which character has it the worst. The translation I read was easily digestible and not convoluted, and also funny occasionally, but I did find the plot lackluster at times. I didn't mind it that much because of its short length, and the funny quips are what kept me engaged.
My favorite is "is there not pleasure ... In criticizing everything, in pointing out faults where others see nothing but beauties?"
The book ultimately reminds us that we're not alone in our suffering; it's not always something that happens for a reason nor is it something to be glorified. But it is something that isn't unique to us alone, and there are a lot of things we can learn about ourselves in such mishappenings.
impeachnixon's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
ultimatekate's review against another edition
2.0
I read this book before in French class in college, and when I picked it up again to prep for the new class I'm teaching, I realized I couldn't get through it. Maybe it's just my mindset now...I don't know. I know it's a classic and all, but I just couldn't get into this book again.