Huh? That was my initial thought when I started reading this section. It seemed like the author was saying some profound things, but in all honesty they flew over my head. I had a hard time following what he was saying, but after re-reading some of the lines it started to make sense (a bit). The part that really stood out to me and had me thinking more deeply was “I would rest my cheeks tenderly against the lovely cheeks of the pillow, which, full and fresh, are like the cheeks of our childhood” (pg.4). I don’t quite know what it was about the sentence but it evoked a warm and somewhat nostalgic feeling in me, that had me reminiscing my childhood, which I guess was the author’s intention.
Now, before I move onto discussing some of the themes in the novel I have to point out that I did not like the style of writing. Whenever a memory was referenced it seemed like a run-on sentence with a bunch of words just stringed together. I truly believe the author could have gotten to the point much faster, but no instead he chose to take the longer route. Being detailed is important because it paints a picture for the audience, however there is such a thing as being too detailed. Anyways, I won’t complain further about that because it will turn into a rant. Now, I do understand that this is a writing style, however that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
One of the main themes throughout the novel was childhood and memory, which seems like a pretty straightforward and easy theme. However, the way the author depicted the childhood memories was anything but that. All the memories were strewn together in a non-chronological order, which was both confusing and…fun. It added a level of depth to the memories being told that made it seem more realistic. If I think back to the times I reminisced about my childhood, none of the memories come to me in order, they are all over the place. There are scents or places that trigger a memory so deeply embedded into my brain, that I had forgotten even existed. So, I will say I did enjoy how the memories came in a blur because it made me relate to the text and actually had me thinking back to my childhood, alongside him.
This novel wasn’t my favourite but at least I can say I did enjoy one thing :)
Question to think about: Going back to the writing style, do you think the novel would have had the same effect if it was written in a different style of writing? Would it alter your positive or negative feelings towards the novel?
I also found this novel to be very confusing and I agree, the writing style was definitely not my cup of tea. When reading the first few pages of the novel, I felt as though I was reading something incomprehensible. To answer your question, although I did not like the writing style, I think in part that is what makes this novel special. If we were to change the writing style, I don’t think it would be as unique. I wouldn’t mind making this novel easier to read but it would definitely remove the beauty and complexity behind the novel.
I loved reading this post. Your use to italics and punctuation made it feel as if I could hear your read this out. I felt very similar to you. The writing style, although extremely confusing– and not my favourite— is what I believe makes this piece so memorable and lasting. So, to answer your question, I think that changing it would also change the way that this piece has been received. That said, I do that that a simplified version would be more enjoyable for myself personally to consume aha
Alizey, this can be a heavy reading in the sense that you describe, and it is perfectly ok to not like an author, you were very articulate in expressing why and I appreciate that! I’m happy to see that you were able to find some fun in it despite your take on it. As you say, memories aren’t linear at all and a lot of research has shown that they really are that complicated and, oftentimes, inaccurate.
Thanks for your comment!
Hey, I also think this writing style, especially at the start of the chapter was a bit difficult to digest. I also share the same sentiment, as this was not an very enjoyable read for myself either. However, I think the novel’s lengthly and narrative writing style made much more sense once Marcel’s childhood started to be revealed. The way he describes these past events, it makes him look like a bystander, where change and conflict and other issues are simply inflicted upon him to deal with.
I agree, his writing style feels as though it is all over the place but I think this writing style is essential to conveying how memories are drawn up. Proust dives into how we don’t just bring these memories forth through will power but they come to us in unlikely times and the beauty that remembering can have. He shows this through his description of how our senses can bring out a memory as our bodies also retain them through scents or familiar spaces. I completely understand your feelings of frustration with the writing style! I think that may also be a point Proust was trying to make; remembering can be beautiful but frustrating too. These feelings attached to memories can feel as though they come out of nowhere or that we have no control over them. Our brains are trying to sort out what meanings may be attached to them which can feel like a scramble.
Hey Alizey, Im glad to hear that you did enjoy some aspects of the novel. I think reading the book also led my back to my childhood in some ways as well. I think the novel would definitely be different in some sense, such as the tone, if the writing style is changed. In the conversation video they sort of talked about the lack of “time” that is made clear in his books, and I think his writing style really contributes to this sort of fuzziness about time and events.