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adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
While I can definitely see why this book is a classic, it was too irreverent and passive aggressive for my preference. I realize that it is a satiric book, but it was just irreverent enough that I didn't really enjoy reading it.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
2.5 — I think I've come to the conclusion that satire is not my thing. (Though this definitely had me chuckling quite a bit.)
What a ride. Was Princess Bride in inspired by this? Lol
This novel(la?) was a scathing criticism of baseless optimism. In fact, the only character who seemed content throughout is one we meet toward the end who believes that life is a struggle between equally powerful forces of good and evil; thus, he has little hope in anything. Meanwhile, Candide, our protagonist, is a disciple of the idea that all things are ordained to work out, ultimately, for our good.
In the end, Candide is "broken" into reality like a horse is broken into a saddle: constant riding. At length, Candide forfeits his optimism, and ultimately any consideration of such "highfalutin" concepts as 'ultimate good' and 'destiny,' choosing instead to focus his energies on his labor, especially when others try to draw him back into discussing higher truth.
Voltaire's anti-Christian sentiment is apparent throughout, but at least he is subtle with his criticism, unlike certain agnostic/atheistic voices (I'm looking at you, YouTube comments section).
Certainly valuable to read for a few chuckles even if you ultimately disagree with the author's philosophical premise (guilty).
In the end, Candide is "broken" into reality like a horse is broken into a saddle: constant riding. At length, Candide forfeits his optimism, and ultimately any consideration of such "highfalutin" concepts as 'ultimate good' and 'destiny,' choosing instead to focus his energies on his labor, especially when others try to draw him back into discussing higher truth.
Voltaire's anti-Christian sentiment is apparent throughout, but at least he is subtle with his criticism, unlike certain agnostic/atheistic voices (I'm looking at you, YouTube comments section).
Certainly valuable to read for a few chuckles even if you ultimately disagree with the author's philosophical premise (guilty).
Away from the contemporary literature scene, I often turn to the classics what I consider a safe way to get in contact with quality and entertainment writing. That was how I came across Candide, the first Voltaire's book I've read - one of the best readings from the year so far.
The story of Candide, Cunegonde and Mr. Pangloss is carried in an incendiary way. Although the book is very easy and pleasant to read, brings a certain discomfort by addressing issues such as the meaning of life and it's "injustices".
Candide, a sensible young man who lives an idyllic life on the Castle of the baron of Thunder-ten-Tronckh, is abruptly banished from paradise after innocently kissing the beautiful Conegundes. The event is the beginning of a spiral of misfortunes and ailments that affects not only Candide, but all residents of the palace of Thunder Torch.
After being exposed to the miseries of life, Candide and Cunegonde, both educated under the philosophy of Mr. Pangloss whose mantra is "all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds", started questioning the optimistic approach of life. The questioning is shaped when Candide meets Martin, whose personal beliefs carries a heavy load of pessimism.
The story of Candide, Cunegonde and Mr. Pangloss is carried in an incendiary way. Although the book is very easy and pleasant to read, brings a certain discomfort by addressing issues such as the meaning of life and it's "injustices".
Candide, a sensible young man who lives an idyllic life on the Castle of the baron of Thunder-ten-Tronckh, is abruptly banished from paradise after innocently kissing the beautiful Conegundes. The event is the beginning of a spiral of misfortunes and ailments that affects not only Candide, but all residents of the palace of Thunder Torch.
After being exposed to the miseries of life, Candide and Cunegonde, both educated under the philosophy of Mr. Pangloss whose mantra is "all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds", started questioning the optimistic approach of life. The questioning is shaped when Candide meets Martin, whose personal beliefs carries a heavy load of pessimism.
Voltaire can suck me. I'll be the first to say, I don't get the point. The point is there is no point? Then why am I bothering to read this?!
Un classique dont j'avais très peu de souvenirs, car lu lorsque j'étais très jeune. C'est très abordable, contrairement à ce qu'on pourrait croire, et la notion de voyage initiatique est bien là. Le ton est plutôt léger malgré les évènements graves et l'équilibre entre réflexions philosophiques et "aventures" est plutôt bon, selon moi. J'ai bien fait de le relire.