Bel-Ami (Oxford World's Classics) |
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Guy de Maupassant
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Pages: 368 (Paperback)
ISBN: 0192836838
Pub: Oxford Paperbacks
Pub date: 2001-05-03
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 140132
Reader Reviews:
Dashing Hero Cuts a Comic Swathe through Paris Society (3/3 people found this helpful)
Guy de Maupassant does not suffer fools or the hipocrisy of (usually bourgoise) society gladly, and thus this, his romping satire that lifts the lid on Parisian society, is a comic tale with rapier wit, sly mocking, and a wonderful appetite for the absurd. Live vicariously through our vain and dashing hero on the make as he cuts a swathe through high society, wowing and wooing all in his path.
Frank descriptions of the sexual desires and all-so-often-acted-upon indiscretions of the book's characters - in spite of the social refinements and etiquette of the age - adds to its contemporary or timeless feel.
Warning: this could not be much further from the likes of Jane Austen. This is no romantic stroll through the picturesque, but a highly intelligent, constantly amsuing, dare I say it rock'n'roll swagger through the offices, nightclubs, parlours and boudoirs of 19th century Paris. And yet, it should be noted, that this book is not without moving moments and depth. Its characters are not merely caricatures, its (not always but often subtle) satire is not at the expense of reader empathy and real emotion.
If I was to read any book one more time, it would probably be A Farewell to Arms by Hemingway, and halfway through I'm pretty sure I would be wishing I'd chosen this instead. Quite simply brilliant.
Bel Ami- An opinion (2/2 people found this helpful)
A stark and vivd picture of one man's ruthless ascendancy through the social ranks. A rise that really erases all other thoughts within the young Georges as he throws aside the feelings and emotions of all others around him in persuit of his goals. It is in essence a story of success but manages at the same time to demonstrate the negative side effects that success can produce on others who find themselves in the way of that determined and efficient rise. A wonderful story and really one that may find its place far more readily in our society today than one may first think.
Bel Ami Review (2/4 people found this helpful)
This book is a thrilling read. Thouroughly recommended. Maupassant died from syphillis at a middle age and his mysery and thoughts on death are pasted thourought the book. It has affected me deeply and I suggest you buy this just for the experience.
Brilliant book - the absolute business (5/7 people found this helpful)
This book is just fantastic.
You can read this on the bus and people think you're some sort of intellectual because of the 'Penguin Classic' cover, but actually it's like Jackie Collins. I love the central character. What a rat !!
Best book I've read this year.
(And it does have serious points to make about the media, death, marrying your best friend's wife....)
Great book! (1/1 people found this helpful)
This story is as good today, and as true, as it was a hundred years ago. Love and betrayal, rivalry and sharing, the fickelty of men, a gripping tale which fascinated me! (In particular old maidens, who want to congratulate themselves on their easy escape, might want to read it...)I recommend to read the book in French, however.
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Categories
Amazon.co.uk places this book into the following categories:
Books -> Subjects -> Fiction -> World -> French
Books -> Subjects -> Fiction -> General
Books -> Subjects -> Fiction -> By Period -> 19th Century
Books -> Special Features -> Search Inside!
uk-shops -> Education Resources -> Books -> English Literature Study Guides -> Novels & Novelists -> 19th Century