A review by violetturtledove
Candide by Voltaire

funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

I quite enjoyed this as a light read, it's certainly entertaining with its wit and lively characters. The plot isn't up to much, but then I feel it's just intended to be a vehicle for the satire. It's a list of awful events accompanied by the unfounded optimism of the main character, digs at various groups of people and some odd, whimsical moments involving sheep and monkeys.

It reminded me ever so slightly of De Sade's 'Justine' in that it's a list of events to demonstrate a philosophical point, although in this case the point is much more understandable and there is much less sex!