In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust
“In Search of Lost Time” (À la recherche du temps perdu) by Marcel Proust is a monumental work in Western literature, consisting of seven volumes. It is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores memory, time, love, society, and art through the narrator’s reflections on his life and experiences.
The novel begins with the narrator, often referred to as Marcel, reminiscing about his childhood experiences in the French town of Combray. Throughout the novel, Marcel’s memories serve as a gateway to exploring the passage of time and its impact on individuals and society.
The novel is deeply concerned with the nature of art and the role of the artist in society. Marcel’s encounters with works of literature, music, and painting prompt philosophical reflections on beauty, creativity, and the relationship between art and reality.