Take a photo of a barcode or cover
Wow.... I must say I am really impressed by this book. My knowledge of Voltaire's work resumed to his fables, but having read "Candide, or Optimism", I admit I was an early judge of what this satire-philosophical book would be like. Completely dressed up in jokes, irony, and philosophical references and criticisms of others' thinkers' works, it was not easy to read, however having helpful notes in the back and foreword by Michael Wood helped me understand better its meaning. The story is described as a journey full of adventures that Candide is more or less forcefully embarked on, having a diverse range of companions with different characters on his way. The assumption of "all is well in this world, for this is the best of the worlds" is constantly ridiculed throughout the book, raising so many personal questions. What sense to make of all this, then? That we must "cultivate our garden". Read it, because for sure it will give you some perspectives on life!
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Here’s the thing, Leonard Bernstein’s Candide is my favorite operetta of all time, and while I figured Voltaire’s Candide would be different, I also figured there’d be a lot of similarities. And there were throughout the first half before it was completely different. Which was fascinating to discover, but also made this whole experience a slog.
I do not think I am a Voltaire fan, and you know what? That’s okay. I will continue to just enjoy the 2004 NY Philharmonic production of Candide with the knowledge that I do not like the original source material. For that is for the best in this best of all possible worlds.
I do not think I am a Voltaire fan, and you know what? That’s okay. I will continue to just enjoy the 2004 NY Philharmonic production of Candide with the knowledge that I do not like the original source material. For that is for the best in this best of all possible worlds.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Rape, Murder, War
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-paced