|
Browse categories
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
The Lover (Flamingo)
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
|
*Amazon: £3.71
|
|
 Customer Reviews
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published. pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry. One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see < > at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Customer Reviews
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published. pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry. One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see < > at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing
Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published.
pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry.
One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see <> at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Customer Reviews
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published. pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry. One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see < > at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing
Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published.
pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry.
One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see <> at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
If you don't like French..., 29 May 2006
A typical French 1950s book, this book is in-a-word confusing. Having read it as a student studying French, I found it near on impossible to understand at first and it must be said, rather boring. However, as the book progresses the symbolism and depth of the book becomes evident and it becomes very thought provoking, highlighting class-differences. A good book for those looking to study alongside a French course, but I would not recommend it for those looking for an easy read.
|
|
|
 |
|
L' Amant (Minuit)
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
|
*Amazon: £9.17
|
|
Customer Reviews
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published. pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry. One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see < > at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing
Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published.
pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry.
One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see <> at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
If you don't like French..., 29 May 2006
A typical French 1950s book, this book is in-a-word confusing. Having read it as a student studying French, I found it near on impossible to understand at first and it must be said, rather boring. However, as the book progresses the symbolism and depth of the book becomes evident and it becomes very thought provoking, highlighting class-differences. A good book for those looking to study alongside a French course, but I would not recommend it for those looking for an easy read.
Stunning, 18 Sep 2001
Duras has truly produced a masterpiece. This is a stark story of love and the overwhelming feelings it releases. In this case obsession, hatred, and fear. A perfect, gripping love story told against the exotic background of Indo-China. Unforgettable.
|
|
|
 |
|
The War: A Memoir
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
|
*Amazon: £5.14
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Customer Reviews
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published. pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry. One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see < > at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing
Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published.
pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry.
One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see <> at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
If you don't like French..., 29 May 2006
A typical French 1950s book, this book is in-a-word confusing. Having read it as a student studying French, I found it near on impossible to understand at first and it must be said, rather boring. However, as the book progresses the symbolism and depth of the book becomes evident and it becomes very thought provoking, highlighting class-differences. A good book for those looking to study alongside a French course, but I would not recommend it for those looking for an easy read.
Stunning, 18 Sep 2001
Duras has truly produced a masterpiece. This is a stark story of love and the overwhelming feelings it releases. In this case obsession, hatred, and fear. A perfect, gripping love story told against the exotic background of Indo-China. Unforgettable.
This Excellent Translation, 19 Jun 2008
The magnitude of the task for any translator is formidable, more so when a text is handwritten. Translations can make text easy or difficult for readers. In this instance, Linda Coverdale has achieved excellence. Her explanatory notes are essential fascinating reading, before progressing further into the book. Coverdale also makes clear, the notebooks represent Marguerite Duras' workshop as a writer. The Wartime Notebooks are a combination of autobiography and fiction. The four notebooks were written from 1943 to 1949. The rawness of the writing as described by Covedale, "matches the raw material of a life whose themes appear here in their first, and perhaps, most honest avatars."
Each of the notebooks has a title. The Pink Marbled Notebook, the first and longest of the four in the book, begins with Duras' childhood and adolescence in Indochina. Those formative years provide insights into her future writing, most especially "The Lover" her most famous novel, written when Duras was in her seventies. The remainder in this section are rough story drafts, which flow with ease, due in no small measure to the skill of the translator.
As a writer, Duras consistently drew from her own life experiences, as well as her inspiration and imagination. The compilation of the four notebooks, present a unique opportunity to read the formative draft fiction of Duras, along with her masterful autobiographical writing. Each notebook has an introduction with background notes at the end. I highly recommend this book for the content, and the quality of the translation. The book would appeal to literature students, other writers, and readers, curious to glean more from the symbiosis of Duras' life with her fiction.
|
|
|
 |
|
Destroy, She Said
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
|
*Amazon: £3.26
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
The North China Lover
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
|
*Amazon: £4.91
|
|
Customer Reviews
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published. pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry. One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see < > at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing
Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published.
pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry.
One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see <> at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
If you don't like French..., 29 May 2006
A typical French 1950s book, this book is in-a-word confusing. Having read it as a student studying French, I found it near on impossible to understand at first and it must be said, rather boring. However, as the book progresses the symbolism and depth of the book becomes evident and it becomes very thought provoking, highlighting class-differences. A good book for those looking to study alongside a French course, but I would not recommend it for those looking for an easy read.
Stunning, 18 Sep 2001
Duras has truly produced a masterpiece. This is a stark story of love and the overwhelming feelings it releases. In this case obsession, hatred, and fear. A perfect, gripping love story told against the exotic background of Indo-China. Unforgettable.
This Excellent Translation, 19 Jun 2008
The magnitude of the task for any translator is formidable, more so when a text is handwritten. Translations can make text easy or difficult for readers. In this instance, Linda Coverdale has achieved excellence. Her explanatory notes are essential fascinating reading, before progressing further into the book. Coverdale also makes clear, the notebooks represent Marguerite Duras' workshop as a writer. The Wartime Notebooks are a combination of autobiography and fiction. The four notebooks were written from 1943 to 1949. The rawness of the writing as described by Covedale, "matches the raw material of a life whose themes appear here in their first, and perhaps, most honest avatars."
Each of the notebooks has a title. The Pink Marbled Notebook, the first and longest of the four in the book, begins with Duras' childhood and adolescence in Indochina. Those formative years provide insights into her future writing, most especially "The Lover" her most famous novel, written when Duras was in her seventies. The remainder in this section are rough story drafts, which flow with ease, due in no small measure to the skill of the translator.
As a writer, Duras consistently drew from her own life experiences, as well as her inspiration and imagination. The compilation of the four notebooks, present a unique opportunity to read the formative draft fiction of Duras, along with her masterful autobiographical writing. Each notebook has an introduction with background notes at the end. I highly recommend this book for the content, and the quality of the translation. The book would appeal to literature students, other writers, and readers, curious to glean more from the symbiosis of Duras' life with her fiction.
Duras when she's writing at her best, 13 Jul 1999
Gosh, this really is my favorite Marguerite Duras book. I've read it twice, and the last read- about three years ago- still is fresh in my mind. Duras's depiction of Indochina and the rice delta is dreamlike as it is erotic. Read this one outside with nature by a large body of water. (Alex Sydorenko, July 1999).
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published. pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry. One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see < > at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing
Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published.
pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry.
One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see <> at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
If you don't like French..., 29 May 2006
A typical French 1950s book, this book is in-a-word confusing. Having read it as a student studying French, I found it near on impossible to understand at first and it must be said, rather boring. However, as the book progresses the symbolism and depth of the book becomes evident and it becomes very thought provoking, highlighting class-differences. A good book for those looking to study alongside a French course, but I would not recommend it for those looking for an easy read.
Stunning, 18 Sep 2001
Duras has truly produced a masterpiece. This is a stark story of love and the overwhelming feelings it releases. In this case obsession, hatred, and fear. A perfect, gripping love story told against the exotic background of Indo-China. Unforgettable.
This Excellent Translation, 19 Jun 2008
The magnitude of the task for any translator is formidable, more so when a text is handwritten. Translations can make text easy or difficult for readers. In this instance, Linda Coverdale has achieved excellence. Her explanatory notes are essential fascinating reading, before progressing further into the book. Coverdale also makes clear, the notebooks represent Marguerite Duras' workshop as a writer. The Wartime Notebooks are a combination of autobiography and fiction. The four notebooks were written from 1943 to 1949. The rawness of the writing as described by Covedale, "matches the raw material of a life whose themes appear here in their first, and perhaps, most honest avatars."
Each of the notebooks has a title. The Pink Marbled Notebook, the first and longest of the four in the book, begins with Duras' childhood and adolescence in Indochina. Those formative years provide insights into her future writing, most especially "The Lover" her most famous novel, written when Duras was in her seventies. The remainder in this section are rough story drafts, which flow with ease, due in no small measure to the skill of the translator.
As a writer, Duras consistently drew from her own life experiences, as well as her inspiration and imagination. The compilation of the four notebooks, present a unique opportunity to read the formative draft fiction of Duras, along with her masterful autobiographical writing. Each notebook has an introduction with background notes at the end. I highly recommend this book for the content, and the quality of the translation. The book would appeal to literature students, other writers, and readers, curious to glean more from the symbiosis of Duras' life with her fiction.
Duras when she's writing at her best, 13 Jul 1999
Gosh, this really is my favorite Marguerite Duras book. I've read it twice, and the last read- about three years ago- still is fresh in my mind. Duras's depiction of Indochina and the rice delta is dreamlike as it is erotic. Read this one outside with nature by a large body of water. (Alex Sydorenko, July 1999).
If you don't like French..., 29 May 2006
A typical French 1950s book, this book is in-a-word confusing. Having read it as a student studying French, I found it near on impossible to understand at first and it must be said, rather boring. However, as the book progresses the symbolism and depth of the book becomes evident and it becomes very thought provoking, highlighting class-differences. A good book for those looking to study alongside a French course, but I would not recommend it for those looking for an easy read.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
Customer Reviews
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published. pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry. One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see < > at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing
Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published.
pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry.
One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see <> at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
If you don't like French..., 29 May 2006
A typical French 1950s book, this book is in-a-word confusing. Having read it as a student studying French, I found it near on impossible to understand at first and it must be said, rather boring. However, as the book progresses the symbolism and depth of the book becomes evident and it becomes very thought provoking, highlighting class-differences. A good book for those looking to study alongside a French course, but I would not recommend it for those looking for an easy read.
Stunning, 18 Sep 2001
Duras has truly produced a masterpiece. This is a stark story of love and the overwhelming feelings it releases. In this case obsession, hatred, and fear. A perfect, gripping love story told against the exotic background of Indo-China. Unforgettable.
This Excellent Translation, 19 Jun 2008
The magnitude of the task for any translator is formidable, more so when a text is handwritten. Translations can make text easy or difficult for readers. In this instance, Linda Coverdale has achieved excellence. Her explanatory notes are essential fascinating reading, before progressing further into the book. Coverdale also makes clear, the notebooks represent Marguerite Duras' workshop as a writer. The Wartime Notebooks are a combination of autobiography and fiction. The four notebooks were written from 1943 to 1949. The rawness of the writing as described by Covedale, "matches the raw material of a life whose themes appear here in their first, and perhaps, most honest avatars."
Each of the notebooks has a title. The Pink Marbled Notebook, the first and longest of the four in the book, begins with Duras' childhood and adolescence in Indochina. Those formative years provide insights into her future writing, most especially "The Lover" her most famous novel, written when Duras was in her seventies. The remainder in this section are rough story drafts, which flow with ease, due in no small measure to the skill of the translator.
As a writer, Duras consistently drew from her own life experiences, as well as her inspiration and imagination. The compilation of the four notebooks, present a unique opportunity to read the formative draft fiction of Duras, along with her masterful autobiographical writing. Each notebook has an introduction with background notes at the end. I highly recommend this book for the content, and the quality of the translation. The book would appeal to literature students, other writers, and readers, curious to glean more from the symbiosis of Duras' life with her fiction.
Duras when she's writing at her best, 13 Jul 1999
Gosh, this really is my favorite Marguerite Duras book. I've read it twice, and the last read- about three years ago- still is fresh in my mind. Duras's depiction of Indochina and the rice delta is dreamlike as it is erotic. Read this one outside with nature by a large body of water. (Alex Sydorenko, July 1999).
If you don't like French..., 29 May 2006
A typical French 1950s book, this book is in-a-word confusing. Having read it as a student studying French, I found it near on impossible to understand at first and it must be said, rather boring. However, as the book progresses the symbolism and depth of the book becomes evident and it becomes very thought provoking, highlighting class-differences. A good book for those looking to study alongside a French course, but I would not recommend it for those looking for an easy read.
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing
Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published.
pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry.
One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see <> at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Customer Reviews
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published. pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry. One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see < > at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing
Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published.
pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry.
One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see <> at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
If you don't like French..., 29 May 2006
A typical French 1950s book, this book is in-a-word confusing. Having read it as a student studying French, I found it near on impossible to understand at first and it must be said, rather boring. However, as the book progresses the symbolism and depth of the book becomes evident and it becomes very thought provoking, highlighting class-differences. A good book for those looking to study alongside a French course, but I would not recommend it for those looking for an easy read.
Stunning, 18 Sep 2001
Duras has truly produced a masterpiece. This is a stark story of love and the overwhelming feelings it releases. In this case obsession, hatred, and fear. A perfect, gripping love story told against the exotic background of Indo-China. Unforgettable.
This Excellent Translation, 19 Jun 2008
The magnitude of the task for any translator is formidable, more so when a text is handwritten. Translations can make text easy or difficult for readers. In this instance, Linda Coverdale has achieved excellence. Her explanatory notes are essential fascinating reading, before progressing further into the book. Coverdale also makes clear, the notebooks represent Marguerite Duras' workshop as a writer. The Wartime Notebooks are a combination of autobiography and fiction. The four notebooks were written from 1943 to 1949. The rawness of the writing as described by Covedale, "matches the raw material of a life whose themes appear here in their first, and perhaps, most honest avatars."
Each of the notebooks has a title. The Pink Marbled Notebook, the first and longest of the four in the book, begins with Duras' childhood and adolescence in Indochina. Those formative years provide insights into her future writing, most especially "The Lover" her most famous novel, written when Duras was in her seventies. The remainder in this section are rough story drafts, which flow with ease, due in no small measure to the skill of the translator.
As a writer, Duras consistently drew from her own life experiences, as well as her inspiration and imagination. The compilation of the four notebooks, present a unique opportunity to read the formative draft fiction of Duras, along with her masterful autobiographical writing. Each notebook has an introduction with background notes at the end. I highly recommend this book for the content, and the quality of the translation. The book would appeal to literature students, other writers, and readers, curious to glean more from the symbiosis of Duras' life with her fiction.
Duras when she's writing at her best, 13 Jul 1999
Gosh, this really is my favorite Marguerite Duras book. I've read it twice, and the last read- about three years ago- still is fresh in my mind. Duras's depiction of Indochina and the rice delta is dreamlike as it is erotic. Read this one outside with nature by a large body of water. (Alex Sydorenko, July 1999).
If you don't like French..., 29 May 2006
A typical French 1950s book, this book is in-a-word confusing. Having read it as a student studying French, I found it near on impossible to understand at first and it must be said, rather boring. However, as the book progresses the symbolism and depth of the book becomes evident and it becomes very thought provoking, highlighting class-differences. A good book for those looking to study alongside a French course, but I would not recommend it for those looking for an easy read.
Is This An Erotic Novel?, 21 May 2008
A translation, this dark self-absorbed short novel is classic Duras. Frequently referred to as an erotic novel, The Lover falls short of that. The novel is much more than the story of a young girl in French Indochina (Vietnam), and her first lover, an older wealthy local man. Duras tells a darker tale of emerging adolescent sexual power and selfishness, a mother-daughter relationship, and the taboos inherent in colonialism and foreignness.
The Lover was awarded the French Goncourt prize in 1984. The strength of the novel is in the underlying despair of the narrator's triangulated memories. The narrative voice the reader hears is of an older woman reflecting on her past. Duras, when writing the novel, drew upon certain aspects from her childhood in Saigon. She was also an experimental writer with an alcohol problem. Her writing style is pared to the bone.
In 1992 the film version of The Lover, was very successful. The eroticism in the film appears to have become a popular misconception in relation to the book. This particular publication has a reader introduction to Duras, her writing style, her early life in French Indochina. I highly recommend the film available on DVD.
dull, 09 Apr 2008
I agree with the title ghastly drivel. found it tedious and certainly not erotic. very disappointing
Ghastly drivel, 27 Oct 2007
This was far and away the worst book I've read this year (if not ever). From a male perspective it was boring, confusing and stupid with a completely unsympathetic heroine. The only redeeming feature was that being so short (and yet so expensive??) the pain of reading this book came to an end with merciful speed.
Also, was I the only one that thought the idea of an affair between a rich Chinese man and a fifteen year old girl slightly dodgy even in those times?
I'm going to recycle my copy straight away so some good may come of the paper - never was there such a waste of trees as when this book was published.
pure poetry, 12 Feb 2007
I have read this book more than once and become transported every time to the exotic Indochina and the searing romance between the young girl and the chinese man of the title. Even more beguiling than this are the tales of festering colonialism as the girl rages at her brother and mother for making her endure the poverty and shame of being both white and poor. This is a very complex book which is easy to read thanks to the style of ms Duras' writing, that of flowing poetry.
One of the best books I've ever read, 30 Nov 2004
I chanced across this book when waiting for some female friends who went to see <> at the cinema. I finished book just as the film finished. I'm glad I read this book rather than saw that film. A flow of consciousness embedded in romantic fatalism. Very feminine writing. It took me on a journey of youthful experimentation, of not quite knowing but knowing, of cultural conflicts, of the exotic Indo-China in that colonial era of a faded dusty yellowness. Strongly recommended to all those who enjoy the writing of V Nabokov.
Stunning, 18 Sep 2001
Duras has truly produced a masterpiece. This is a stark story of love and the overwhelming feelings it releases. In this case obsession, hatred, and fear. A perfect, gripping love story told against the exotic background of Indo-China. Unforgettable.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| |