Reviews

Rojo y negro by Stendhal

lucysbookshelf's review against another edition

3.5

 3.5.

This was my first time reading a book by this author. I feel the need to clarify that most of the time, French literature is not my style at all (I found the exception in Flaubert this year, it was a great surprise) and Stendhal didn’t seem able to make it out of this curse but it might just be me. 

The story is good and entertaining, the admiration the main character has for Napoleon reminded me of “Crime and Punishment” and also of Balzac so I had high hopes that this would be a main point through all the actions and thoughts this character had. However, not only that didn’t seem consistent through the narration but the actions and scenes that took place seemed to have no depth, no deeper feeling or philosophical thought. When I finished the book I realized I couldn’t care less about the main character and even less for the secondary. I didn’t feel sympathy or dislike, just a neutral interest that kept me going until I finished the story. 

This story is situated during the Bourbon Restoration (1814-1830) where there was a lot of political upheaval in France and where social class determined everything. This was well portrayed in how Julian Sorel has to work hard to get the power he craves and compromise his ideals time and again to be able to keep his job, his class and the good opinion of society. 

Overall, it was an entertaining read with social commentary, the idea of power and money corrupting even those who aspire to be great and above it and how a person might have to transform into someone different to be able to get what they want. 

 

cle_mrl's review against another edition

ok j’avoue j’ai écouté le livre audio

suchasuckerforbooks's review against another edition

Первая треть истории чем-то напоминает "Мартин Иден". Знаю, что и в этой книге должен быть

трагический конец

. Я только хотела узнать, как именно все сложится в итоге, но мне в процессе стало настолько скучно, даже с аудиокнигой, что я решила, что оно того не стоит.

lemonbugs's review against another edition

challenging fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

The last page was the only part that was enjoyable. Aside from that all the characters are deeply annoying and the women are SO BLUNT, you could resume them in one singular adjective. The paragraphs feel like they don't match at all and I felt lost throughout the entire thing. Would not recommend.

kord's review against another edition

challenging slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No

1.25

apleiades17's review against another edition

5.0

"Love creates equalities, it doesn't search for them."

no30's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

neila3's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

i enjoyed this. i dont understand why ppl are complaining of it being wordy... its almost not wordy enough for me.. 
the first time ive heard of stendhal's the red and the black was from neitzsche, i expected the not only to be ''wordy'' but also plotless and philosophical.
at the begining i was imbivalent as to how i felt about julien, he wasnt the most likeable person which is understandable considering his upbringing, i loved reading about the relationship between him and madame de renal. like most ppl i found the second book more complelling its in the second book that you really see julien changing, giving in, you see more and more clearly the self hatred behind all that idealism, he is complexe irrational he strives and he loves, he is pained and he causes pain. 

in the last part where is going to get excuted his meditations on god and religion are beautiful

keepthisholykiss's review against another edition

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

billie_yankie's review against another edition

funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This was satire and you can't convince me otherwise.