Le Grand Meaulnes has been adapted for the cinema twice, including this 2006 version
May's meeting focused on a French classic, but one that is probably better known and read across the Channel.
Le Grand Meaulnes is a coming-of-age tale with a touch of magic, but while some members fell under its spell, some were less enchanted.
Most members agreed it was certainly not a chore to read, and that Alain-Fournier had talent as a writer. Some members did enjoy its wistful and nostalgic tone, and felt engaged by its story of friendship and romance.
There was enjoyment by some of the magical elements, though other found that element jarred after an opening section that was rooted in realism rather than fantasy.
Members appreciated that there were some interesting themes being explored - the end of childhood, and the impossibility of turning the clock back to that lost youth and innocence. Some though found the approach to the themes to be a little juvenile and naive, perhaps reflecting the youth of the author.
There was much discussion about the level of engagement members had with the main characters. Members agreed that the novel was certainly as much about the narrator as it was about Le Grand Meaulnes. Indeed, much of it focused on his fixation with his friend. There were echoes of other novels, from The Great Gatsby to The Go Between.
Some members though struggled to engage with the plot and the characters and found it hard to care much about the outcome. The behaviour of Le Grand Meaulnes in particular made it hard to have much investment in his life and loves. None of the female characters also appeared to be developed.
For some members there was poignancy and power in the closing events as tragedies piled up, but for others the latter part of the novel became a little histrionic and melodramatic.
Members agreed that this was a very French novel, perhaps explaining why despite being seen as an essential text in France, it was less celebrated here. There was some discussion about whether some of its appeal had been lost in translation. The fact that there have been multiple attempts to translate the title was perhaps an indication of that.
Members agreed though that it was a good choice, and provoked a good discussion.
Le Grand Meaulnes is a coming-of-age tale with a touch of magic, but while some members fell under its spell, some were less enchanted.
Most members agreed it was certainly not a chore to read, and that Alain-Fournier had talent as a writer. Some members did enjoy its wistful and nostalgic tone, and felt engaged by its story of friendship and romance.
There was enjoyment by some of the magical elements, though other found that element jarred after an opening section that was rooted in realism rather than fantasy.
Members appreciated that there were some interesting themes being explored - the end of childhood, and the impossibility of turning the clock back to that lost youth and innocence. Some though found the approach to the themes to be a little juvenile and naive, perhaps reflecting the youth of the author.
There was much discussion about the level of engagement members had with the main characters. Members agreed that the novel was certainly as much about the narrator as it was about Le Grand Meaulnes. Indeed, much of it focused on his fixation with his friend. There were echoes of other novels, from The Great Gatsby to The Go Between.
Some members though struggled to engage with the plot and the characters and found it hard to care much about the outcome. The behaviour of Le Grand Meaulnes in particular made it hard to have much investment in his life and loves. None of the female characters also appeared to be developed.
For some members there was poignancy and power in the closing events as tragedies piled up, but for others the latter part of the novel became a little histrionic and melodramatic.
Members agreed that this was a very French novel, perhaps explaining why despite being seen as an essential text in France, it was less celebrated here. There was some discussion about whether some of its appeal had been lost in translation. The fact that there have been multiple attempts to translate the title was perhaps an indication of that.
Members agreed though that it was a good choice, and provoked a good discussion.
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