ianca_rebel 's review for:

Candide: Or Optimism by Voltaire

5.0

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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!