In Search of Lost Time

Marcel Proust

Recommended By

Book Synopsis

In Search of Lost Time follows the story of an unnamed narrator as he navigates the complex landscape of memory, time, and social conventions in early 20th-century France.

The narrator, reflecting upon his own experiences, delves into his past, exploring themes of love, desire, art, and societal expectations. Through his meticulous observations, the narrator examines the nature of human perception and introspection, often pausing to examine everyday events and objects in great detail.

The book is divided into seven volumes, with each volume presenting a different phase of the narrator's life. From his childhood memories in Combray, to his formative years in Parisian society, to his encounters with lovers and friends, the narrator’s journey is marked by introspection and profound insights.

The narrative is fueled by the narrator’s encounters with figures from his past, many of whom have had a lasting impact on his life. Central to the story is his unrequited love for a woman named Albertine, whose presence haunts him throughout the narrative. The narrator’s relationships and interactions with others serve as a means to explore larger themes of identity, society, and the passing of time.

In Search of Lost Time is a sprawling and deeply introspective work, renowned for its rich prose and vivid descriptions. Proust’s masterpiece invites readers to contemplate the nature of memory and the ways in which our past experiences shape our present. Through its exploration of the human condition, Proust's masterpiece remains a timeless classic, challenging readers to reflect on their own lives and the passage of time.

Explore More Books

See All
The Lives of the Artists
Wild And Crazy Guys
The Narrow Corridor
Complexity
Fast-Track Triathlete
Motherless Brooklyn
Bravey
String Theory
Fallen Leaves
The Start-up of You
Slow Horses
The Peacemaker's Code
Confessions of a Pricing Man
Being With Dying
Too Big to Fail
The Founders
Living Within Limits
Zurich International Chess Tournament, 1953
Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids
Carrying The Fire
The Hot Hand
A Short History of Myth
From Bacteria to Bach and Back
The Price of Peace
The Unwritten
The Breakthrough
Think on These Things
Happy Accidents
Buffett
I Contain Multitudes
The Future Is Asian
Talent Is Overrated
Radical Candor
The Infidel and the Professor
The 5 Resets
The Quest
The Gene
The End of History and the Last Man
The Business Blockchain
The Law
The Little Book of Bull Moves
Apollo's Arrow