and again
10 months ago
I am giving myself a 2 week head start
see my last entry for a chuckle
How to read Proust's Remembrance of Things Past
It made me
astounded 
"Persevere through Combray, and you win half the battle."
How I did it: I have only read a Japanese translation (by Kyuichiro Inoue), so I cannot suggest which (English) version you should choose.
Eventually I enjoyed reading this novel, but I have to confess that the very first part (Combray) was the hardest to bear, especially before the appearance of a piece of very famous madeleine. In this book almost everything seems to be given much too detailed description, like an image through the microscope.
Resources: I think a comic version by Stephane Heuet would help you seeing the big picture.
http://www.amazon.com/Remembrance-Things-Past-Combray-Vol/dp/1561632899
People doing this are also doing these things:
Entries
Proust.
13 months ago
I added this to my list for multiple reasons. One, it’s a classic I’ve always wanted to read. Two, I’ve had a hard time finishing things lately and I think it would be a test of commitment. And three, I found this copy recently, which was in the unwanted section of the used bookstore for a real discount in price due to all the markings:
I love this copy. I realize that most people find someone else’s markings a distraction, but it really interests me. Especially when they’re this detailed. The book is filled with slips of paper, highlights, postcards, and pen. Makes me feel like I’m peeking into someone’s diary. Voyeurism, I know.
Still on the path
20 months ago
I’m well into part six, and I’m noticing that the further I get, the slower I read – Because I already know how much I’ll miss Proust’s world when it’s all over.
Completed the novel!
21 months ago
I have completed the novel and wish I had read it years ago, but I don’t think that as a very young man I would have appreciated it as much as now. I especially loved the final book “Time Regained”, though I liked them all.
I am now reading William Carter’s biography of Proust. It is extemely interesting, especially since I have just finished the novel. In the biography you learn about the real persons whom he based the characters in the novel on. I also plan to read his autobiographical novel Jean Santeuil”.
Still reading
22 months ago
Well, I’m now about 2/3’s of the way through. I have purchased a lot of books over Christmas but will not read any of them until I have finished Proust. This book is actually very good. Wish I had read it years ago.
01/01/08
22 months ago
A new year. And for the 6th time, I pick-up the 1st of my 12 vol Proust set. Wish me luck.
Still reading
23 months ago
Now I’m over a third of the way through. Actually, I am enjoying the book a lot more than when I tried it 30 years ago. Maybe I wasn’t mature enough then to appreciate the ability of the writer to observe human nature and society. It has definitely changed how I “see” myself and others in our daily interactions.
Finally reading it
23 months ago
I’m reading it now. I am almost finished with “Within a Budding Grove”. It is a great read. I had started it once while in college but never got into it at that time. I guess I needed the extra 33 years to get ready for it.
asterisk is cooking up a storm
shelving for now
2 years ago
Reading the next volume is part of “read every book I own” anyway, and I need to clear off some space.
