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sere_rev's review against another edition
3.0
The Square - 1 star. Nice premise, a conversation between two persons who are polar opposites both in terms of their current situations and of their aspirations, but the writing style is too caustic and stylised.
Moderato Cantabile - 5 stars. This story truly feels like a musical piece, it's built on repetitions and variations in a constant, slow crescendo. The narrative is engaging, the story of a woman struggling with the intensity of her passions, and the violence of their denial, and the writing is filled with beautiful imagery (such as the wilting magnolia flower between her breasts). It would make a beautiful short movie.
10.30 On a Summer Night - 5 stars. The writing is the easiest, best flowing of all these 4 stories. It tells of two love triangles: one that ended in death and the other, perhaps, in acceptance.
The Afternoon of Mr. Andesmas - 2 stars. The story of an aging father and his preoccupation with the love for his daughter. I felt this one went on longer than it needed to, having portrayed the character perfectly already in the first few pages. Still, it was a decent read.
Moderato Cantabile - 5 stars. This story truly feels like a musical piece, it's built on repetitions and variations in a constant, slow crescendo. The narrative is engaging, the story of a woman struggling with the intensity of her passions, and the violence of their denial, and the writing is filled with beautiful imagery (such as the wilting magnolia flower between her breasts). It would make a beautiful short movie.
10.30 On a Summer Night - 5 stars. The writing is the easiest, best flowing of all these 4 stories. It tells of two love triangles: one that ended in death and the other, perhaps, in acceptance.
The Afternoon of Mr. Andesmas - 2 stars. The story of an aging father and his preoccupation with the love for his daughter. I felt this one went on longer than it needed to, having portrayed the character perfectly already in the first few pages. Still, it was a decent read.
wmbogart's review
All four are great, obviously. It's Duras. Some common themes run through the collection - dialogues between people at different stages of life, internal and external speculation about those stages and positions and the possibilities open or closed to each, etc etc. Read chronologically there's a gradual change in approach; The Square is a more austere dialogue relative to some of the lyricism and depth of setting in the latter two novels.
Very worth reading! Don't believe people that throw the whole "minor work" label around.
Very worth reading! Don't believe people that throw the whole "minor work" label around.
mattjc's review against another edition
I only read Moderato Cantabile but intend to go back later to read the others.
lucyblack's review against another edition
5.0
Read ten thirty on a summer night last night with all the windows open and summer smells drifting in. It is beautiful.
bengisue's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
djinnmartini's review against another edition
4.0
lots to unpack re: Duras' relationship with/attitude towards blonde women! can't decide between Moderato Cantabile or 10:30 On A Summer Night as the favorite.
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