The Life and Work of Marcel Proust

De: Neville Jason

Narrado por: Neville Jason

This, the first audio-biography of Marcel Proust, tells the story of one of the world's most original and admired literary geniuses. From his youth in the salons of Belle Epoque Paris, we follow his progress through to his later years when, as a near recluse, he writes through the nights in his cork-lined bedroom.

In his great autobiographical novel Remembrance of Things Past, separating fact from fiction becomes a fascinating game of literary detection.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2002 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. (P)2002 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd.

Proust Explained -- Sort Of

This is a terrific, compact, well read overview of what made Proust write what he wrote and how the great book came to life. This small biography is simply a "teaser" and one I read after finishing the first of the 7 volume masterpiece. This bit of biographical information paves the way to the next six volumes. It's very well presented. Additionally, without being coarse or titillating, it illumines the difficult issues of Proust's private life and work.

An Excellent overview of Proust

After listening to all 7 books of Time Lost I wanted some historical perspective on Marcel Proust - how much was autobiographical. This short book was excellent and gave me a better understanding of him and his writings.

Glad I Got It

This is a very short account of Proust’s life and work. Indeed much of its substance is available elsewhere, too.

BUT to be able to have what is new and have it read by Neville Jason makes it more than worthwhile. Far more.

For those who’ve read In Search (I’m now only one volume short of finishing a first experience of it all), simply getting the pearls that are new in this volume - it’s all priceless.

Proust and Thoreau

Marcel Proust was in France what Thoreau was in America. This book brings to light the reasons for which Proust wrote his famous work A la recherche du temps perdu. It is fascinating however it will be only enjoyed by well-read individuals.

ho-hum

This audiobook doesn't promise anything it doesn't deliver: it's a creditable account, creditably read, of Proust's life and work, slightly enlivened by a couple musical interludes and by having quotations read in different voices. That said, it is rather dull. This type of material is better presented in a book where you can cross-reference information, see how the names are spelled, and maybe even enjoy some relevant illustrations. I found that I'd listen to it only when I had nothing better, i.e., if I'd finished my current audiobook novel and also run out of This American Life podcasts. If you like classroom lectures on tape, go for it. If you like entertainment when you listen, don't bother.

A fine intro to Proust

I don't know why people have rated this so low; it's an excellent intro to the life and work of Proust, one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century. I have read Proust both in English and in French, as well as several biographies, and this audiobook (it was conceived for audio, and there is no paper edition) is certain to give enough information for the casual reader. In addition, its use of music helps enlighten listeners about the music that was important in Proust's oeuvre.

Good job, Naxos.

Informative - the man behind the work!

I knew zero about Marcel Proust prior to listening to this audio book. His name seems to come up frequently in my circle of interest and and I was curious. I listen for pleasure and didn't want to invest in a 7 book literary masterpiece if it was dry and dated. I decided I would investigate the author before venturing onto the work. Glad I did - decided to give book 1 (Swann's way) a try.

A non-professional opinion

Would you listen to The Life and Work of Marcel Proust again? Why?

I've done already, two times at least

What did you like best about this story?

It's easy to follow, and I know details about his life that I didn't know before

Have you listened to any of Neville Jason’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I haven't

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Proust mother's death

Any additional comments?

I recommend this for those who think that Marcel Proust is an example of life and sacrifice