Is Proust Worth It? 

Even if reading all three volumes may or may not be worth it, I believe anyone seriously interested in literature should read the overture, take a seat in that "magic chair" and become acquainted with the unique style of Proust.

What a wonderful video, Aaron! I ended up putting the book down about half way through volume three. You’ve convinced me to pick it back up and have another go at it.

i like how you describe his style as wave-like

I would say if you’re still in like high school and real interested in literature, read it all for those reasons. If not just leave it and watch videos like these or read summaries and stuff. And if you’re into writing, you should just use your time to write I stead of reading this.

What an accomplishment!

Well Aaron, I didn't think it was possible but you have convinced me. I already own the first book (In Harms Way?) and I keep setting it aside. It sounds as though it is important to read it slowly and ask yourself what can you learn, does any of this apply to me and then move on. I really like the idea of perhaps only reading 10 pages a day. After all we live our lives a single day at a time why not go slowly with this exploration. Ok, I will put it on the TBR and not push too hard once I start it. Thank you very much for a very insightful and thoughtful group of comments. I have a feeling that eventually I will read them all.

Its about us. All of us Its the theory of everything

Still thinking you should read the more recent Lidia (Lydia?) translation of book one. Mmmmmm...

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I read the first volume, Swann’s way, two or three years ago. I really liked it, but somehow I have not yet picked up the second volume, even thought I have it on my shelves. Soon, I keep telling myself. 😁

Highly recommend "Proust among the Stars", by Malcolm Bowie. Best commentary on the novel I've read.

Aaron, gostei muito dos seus comentários, têm uma abordagem original. Detalhes que talvez pouquíssimas pessoas tenham percebido no livro. Principalmente quando você fala de ter sentido um certo sadismo grande maioria das personagens, e que também são ridículas. Penso que você tem material até para uma tese acadêmica. Também concordo quando você diz que podemos refletir com Proust sobre nossas relações com as pessoas e com as coisas. " Descobri" Proust aos 30 anos, estou com 61, e, já li e reli a série 6 vezes, sempre com descobertas e com mais prazer na leitura. Gratidão !!

Congratulations! I want to read The Hare with the Amber Eyes 😊

I finished it all earlier this year as well. I loved the Moncrieff version, but there are more modern translations. Yes, I agree that it is self reflective as well as musings on time, memory, psychoanalysis, history, art, hubris etc. It is expansive and the language is so beautiful. I'm so glad I read it and so many parts have stayed with me. My favorite is in The Prisoner where he describes all the street vendors and the sounds of their 'come buy calls'.

How would you classify Proust's style of writing. Could he have advanced Freud's sexuality theories. Or did he learn from Freud to speak of homosexuality.

I’ve read 2/3rds of _Swann’s Way_ so I’m not worried about the style. And I remember well enough so I don’t think I’d have to reread it. But your experience makes me wonder if I should at least finish off that first part. I have the Scott Moncrieff set. (I got through _Gulag Archipelago_ and I’m sure Proust is better than that.) Good job!

Congratulations, Aaron! Such an accomplishment. I have a gorgeous Modern Library boxed set, given to me as a gift and I started reading it years ago, I had every intention of reading a few pages a day till I was done. But other books intruded and I gave up midway through Swann’s Way, and now they’re just looking pretty on my shelf. I’ve been following your journey, but it wasn’t till this video (and the quote you read) that I was tempted to pick it up again. I hope I do.