A review by amkclaes
L'ennui by Alberto Moravia

4.25

Moravia's novel draws you in through a character whose self-proclaimed ennui proves to be anything but. As his obsession with his young lover escalates, it throws his discerning eye for other personalities and interpersonal dynamics into sharp relief. Dino's delusion of his own ennui is further emphasized by Cecilia's utter detachment with the world as well as her disinterest in anything but the present moment. Her hyperbolic apathy serves as the perfect foil to Dino's obsessive interrogation and speculation.
One star taken off for the pacing. It was at times tedious to go along with Dino through the same patterns over dozens of pages though the effect paid off.