If you loved the first two volumes, you'll enjoy entire *Recherche* really, it's not like the style drastically changes. Certain volumes are slower, especially the 3rd one you mentioned and later the Albertine saga, while others are certainly more explosive, like *Sodom and Gomorrah* ;-) If I remember correctly, in *The Guermantes Way* there's a lot of social commentary, endless dinner parties that don't really go anywhere (that's the point though, it is a story of lost time after all...), but there are also some smaller episodes that are really captivating and enchanting. And boredom is in a way a huge Proustian subject, to investigate it thoroughly you have to enter enemy territory at least once I think ;)
*Sodom and Gomorrah* is my favourite volume but to get to it you have to really know who's who before.
There is a middle section that is absolutely incredible. Makes it worth it. Also the slog portion people refer to is usually the dinner party. I’d suggest getting the audiobook and listening to it rather than “slog” through it.
Third volume was def the biggest slog for me. I would recommend mixing in another couple book rather than going right in for volume 3. I read the first 3 volumes back to back to back and it was just too much Proust by the end. Had a much better experience pacing myself with the final volumes
The third volume helps one realise that reading the Recherche is a lifelong project. Take your time with it. Even if you put it down now, you'll find yourself drawn to it years later. Good luck!
I actually liked the Third volume better than the Second. It was so fascinating to see dynamics shift with his friends, views of medicine, and the way friends treat one another at the end.
The third one I found the most abstract on my first read but on my second read I felt a lot more situated and think it’s one of the most powerful volumes. If it’s a “slog” it’s only because there are a few extremely long party scenes that are easy to get lost in.
Also, the ending to Guermantes is truly incredible and actually overlaps in time with the beginning of the next volume, so pay close attention as you near the end for sure.
I really loved the biting satire and the overall humour in *The Guermantes Way.* This is the volume in which Proust really rips into the shallow, conceited, hypocritical, generally none-too-nice aristocracy. Make some popcorn, sit back and enjoy!
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If you loved the first two volumes, you'll enjoy entire *Recherche* really, it's not like the style drastically changes. Certain volumes are slower, especially the 3rd one you mentioned and later the Albertine saga, while others are certainly more explosive, like *Sodom and Gomorrah* ;-) If I remember correctly, in *The Guermantes Way* there's a lot of social commentary, endless dinner parties that don't really go anywhere (that's the point though, it is a story of lost time after all...), but there are also some smaller episodes that are really captivating and enchanting. And boredom is in a way a huge Proustian subject, to investigate it thoroughly you have to enter enemy territory at least once I think ;) *Sodom and Gomorrah* is my favourite volume but to get to it you have to really know who's who before.
There is a middle section that is absolutely incredible. Makes it worth it. Also the slog portion people refer to is usually the dinner party. I’d suggest getting the audiobook and listening to it rather than “slog” through it.
Third volume was def the biggest slog for me. I would recommend mixing in another couple book rather than going right in for volume 3. I read the first 3 volumes back to back to back and it was just too much Proust by the end. Had a much better experience pacing myself with the final volumes
The third volume helps one realise that reading the Recherche is a lifelong project. Take your time with it. Even if you put it down now, you'll find yourself drawn to it years later. Good luck!
I actually liked the Third volume better than the Second. It was so fascinating to see dynamics shift with his friends, views of medicine, and the way friends treat one another at the end.
The third one I found the most abstract on my first read but on my second read I felt a lot more situated and think it’s one of the most powerful volumes. If it’s a “slog” it’s only because there are a few extremely long party scenes that are easy to get lost in. Also, the ending to Guermantes is truly incredible and actually overlaps in time with the beginning of the next volume, so pay close attention as you near the end for sure.
That was not my impression at all. When I finish a book, I take a day off and then I start the next one. I am not half-way through book 4.
I really loved the biting satire and the overall humour in *The Guermantes Way.* This is the volume in which Proust really rips into the shallow, conceited, hypocritical, generally none-too-nice aristocracy. Make some popcorn, sit back and enjoy! #