Publisher's Synopsis
From Swann's Side (previously translated into English as 'Swann's Way'), the first volume of Marcel Proust's monumental series In Search of Lost Time, is a profound exploration of memory, love, and the passage of time. This classic work is often just referred to in France as "La recherche" (The Search), and that is the name of this new edition from Meta Mad Books.Through the eyes of the narrator, we journey into the intricate world of late 19th-century French society, where the smallest experiences are infused with deep emotional resonance.
This entirely new translation begins with the narrator's reflections on his childhood in the fictional village of Combray, brought involuntarily to life by the simple act of tasting a cookie dipped in his tea. This sensory experience unleashes a flood of memories, leading him to recollect the intricate relationships and events that shaped his early years.
Central to the narrative is the story of Charles Swann, a wealthy and cultured man, whose passionate but tumultuous love affair with the enchanting Odette de Crécy unfolds against the backdrop of Parisian high society. Swann's ever-deepening obsession with Odette reveals the complexities of desire and jealousy, and his experiences serve as a mirror to the narrator's own evolving understanding of love and identity.
Proust's exquisite prose captures the nuances of human experience, from the fleeting nature of time to the enduring power of art and memory. With its richly detailed characters and evocative settings, From Swann's Side invites readers into a world where every moment is a thread in the intricate tapestry of life. This timeless classic is a profound meditation on the beauty and melancholy of existence, establishing Proust as one of literature's greatest voices.
