Swann’s Way – Marcel Proust

Translated by Moncrieff and Kilmartin, revised by Enright

As a reader, Proust’s In Search of Lost Time raises two fundamental concerns. The first, the challenge of making it through to the end, and the second, that the end will not be attained before the beginning has faded. In a book which dwells on memories and the mechanism of memory there is surely some irony there.

As a blogger, In Search of Lost Time is likely to constitute one of those huge epic reads that defy description. (She says optimistically.) Beginning discretely with Swann’s Way, volume one of six (physical volumes), does not render the task of description markedly easier, although I almost feel it would be worth the effort as an aide memoire for my future edification.

Daily Proust – #10

 

“the fascination of my book, a magic as potent as the deepest slumber,”

 

 

 

 

Feral hamsters, talking geckos, and the occasional otter… Proust has been somewhat neglected of late. But here is the perfect quote for any book blog, hardly requiring further elaboration. However, I am inclined to observe that some books are more potent than others, and I would invite blog visitors to take a wild guess at which of my current reads (see top right) is responsible for the slightly sour tinge distinguishing that remark…

Daily Proust – #9

 

” but get a little fresh air first; don’t start reading immediately after your food.’ “

 

 

 

 

But that would mean no reading at the table? The answer: picnic!

 

Daily Proust – #8

 

“examine its weight and material, whereas what is of value is the creator’s intention and his signature.”

 

 

 

Combining two literary heavy weights rather neatly…

 

 

Daily Proust – #7

 

 

“one saw it obliquely, shewing in profile fresh angles and surfaces, like a solid body surprised at some unknown point in its revolution;”

 

 

I am a great believer in objects which may be obliquely viewed to some advantage.

 

Daily Proust – #6

 

 

“And, indeed, there are many others which look best when seen in this way,”

 

 

 

I thought this phrase, out of context, particularly pertinent to reviewers of books. Although there are some (present company excepted) who can avoid dictating how each book should be regarded…

Daily Proust – #5

 

“dearer than all such treasures, a fleeting smile from the sun, which could be seen and felt as well here,”

 

 

 

And ain’t that the truth!

 

Daily Proust – #4

Twenty two hours since proustr‘s last tweet of Swann’s Way.   Equivalent to twenty-two scheduled tweets gone awol.  I will not succumb to panic. I will not. It is, after all, not inconceivable that one could read Proust in book form. Although it would obviously require a pencil and an alarm clock and a great deal of counting…

And so, for obvious reasons, here is a back issue:

“as clever as a Christian, always in a good temper, always friendly, always everything that’s nice.”

What a wonderful ideal to which to aspire.  If a trifle… canine.

Daily Proust – #2

A number of people have commented that they feel that they probably can struggle on, quite happily, without the aid of daily Proust.

I, however, cannot.  Today’s offering:

“I tell you these ones were as thick as my arm.”

I admit I was taken aback for a second.  Rats?  Cockroaches?  A far fetched fishing tale?

The lack of the preceding phrase is felt quite keenly in this instance.  Here is the indispensable missing information.

“You know quite well that he can never grow anything but wretched little twigs of asparagus, not asparagus at all.”

Asparugus?  Of course!

What would I do without these little puzzles to lighten my day?

Daily Proust – #1

This is where my husband rolls his eyes, and mutters darkly. I don’t intend for it to become a hideous daily chore; simply felt that “Occasional Proust – when I feel like it” lacked the appropriate gravitas.

“besides, in the life of complete inertia which she led she attached to the least of her sensations an extraordinary importance,”

This is an excerpt from several days ago. In a moment of madness I attempted to disseminate this gem to my facebook acquaintance; less to a reception of bemused consternation than complete disinterest. Likewise, an enthusiastic rat-related tweet did not get much of a reception in my personal (book orientated) twitter-verse. A place for everything, and everything in its place. A book blog is, perhaps, the more proper destination for morsels of Proust.

This particular phrase made an impression because, in addition to being an instantly recognisable insight into a certain personality type, I felt that it summed up all the Proust that I have read so far.