Review of The Shorter Proust

Nzube Chizoba Okeke · Post by **Nzube Chizoba Okeke** » 30 Mar 2022, 02:44

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Shorter Proust" by Jim Putz.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Given the name Valentine Louis Georges Eugene Marcel at birth on the 10th of July 1871, this talented young man would grow up to become a world-renowned literary colossus. Marcel Proust was known for many things. His work as a pathologist and his time in the army would readily come to mind. But it was his literary works that stood out the most. Many of his written works were noteworthy for their iconic style and the use of his base material. Works such as Swann's Way, In Search of Lost Time, Time Regained, and Remembrance of Things Past would readily come to mind whenever his name was mentioned. It was generally believed that his writings would still hold some weight in this day and age.

The Shorter Proust is an abridged version of one of Marcel Proust's most significant works, Remembrance of Things Past. As the original version is in French, this one is translated by C.K. Scott Moncrieff and edited by Jim Putz.

The original version is quite voluminous; therefore, in terms of reducing the size of what must be read, I will call this version a success. Proust's use of the French social circles is adhered to reasonably well. The flow of the conversations within the book does not show any sign of being affected by the abridgment; it is still lengthy and rich in vocabulary.

Students of literature and those of history will probably find the material in this book worth their while. It carries a theme such as is commonplace in nineteenth-century France when the daily discourse was primarily focused on matters of class and social interaction. Fiction genre readers may find some of Proust's introspective discussions particularly interesting so long as they have the fortitude for his verbose diatribe.

The Shorter Proust is well arranged and properly put together, if I must say so. It keeps in tandem with the original work and maintains the originality that has made Marcel Proust a household name long after his demise. The translation is literally on point. However, the editing leaves much to be desired. There are many minor errors that a professional editor can easily fish out, making me believe that the book isn't professionally edited. This is the only thing that dents the beauty of this work. Therefore, I rate it 3 out of 4 stars.

Before I read this book, I believed that the works of Marcel Proust could not be compared to those of more recent writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Edgar Allan Poe in terms of relevance to the times. On finishing the book, my view remained unswayed. This would be my opinion, though, and I'd expect other readers to reach their conclusions.

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The Shorter Proust
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TheGayOne12 · Post by **TheGayOne12** » 01 Apr 2022, 02:36

It sounds like a great book. One that I would love to check out. Fabulous review!

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 01 Apr 2022, 13:09

I can only assume that this work is relevant to the culture of France. Does that mean it’s not in touch with ours?

Essy Nma · Post by **Essy Nma** » 02 Apr 2022, 03:46

What ain't intellectual pedigree this book has attained. Thanks for the review.

Mmaduabuchi Eze · Post by **Mmaduabuchi Eze** » 02 Apr 2022, 05:35

Good name is better than money, a saying goes. Great to see the memory of Marcel Proust sustained, even long after his death. His great legacies are worth emulating.