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Well, it seems we read books with the same subject, now, perhaps other conjunctures, but the same bitterness...

Such a simple title, but so eloquent..

Théodore wrote: "Well, it seems we read books with the same subject, now, perhaps other conjunctures, but the same bitterness..."
Théodore, do you allude on your reading of 'Moll Flanders' at the moment? Bitterness is pervading Jeanne's life so thoroughly I recall tasting it on almost every page.

Théodore wrote: "Such a simple title, but so eloquent.."
With this title de Maupassant simply says it all! How cruel life can treat one.

I wonder now, in how many novels have I met happiness, as a component of the topic..
I don't remember at all..

Very apt summary of the book, Ilse!

I remember enjoying many short stories by this author. It's odd, I thought I had this one already on my to-read list. Perhaps it was a collection.
By the way, Théodore's comment was spot-on.

I can't wait to catch up with your exquisite reviews, Ilse.

Thank you, Florencia. Which comment ?

Théodore wrote: "Thank you, Florencia. Which comment ?"

Now that I read the entire thread, all of them, but I meant your last one, about happiness not being a frequent component.

Aa, indeed. I really had this révélation, to wonder why I have not heard of novels where happiness is described in detail, as suffering is described, in many books. Maybe no one really lived happiness, or maybe it's because it's like rain, it comes unexpectedly, and it dissapears all the same.

Théodore wrote: "Aa, indeed. I really had this révélation, to wonder why I have not heard of novels where happiness is described in detail, as suffering is described, in many books. Maybe no one really lived happin..."

How beautifully put, despite its sadness.
Thank you.

Théodore wrote: "I wonder now, in how many novels have I met happiness, as a component of the topic..
I don't remember at all.."
Quite a striking insight, Théodore (which reminded me of the irony in the title of Tolstoy's 'Family Happiness' - once someone told me that is why so many fairy tales end with 'they lived happily ever after' - because there isn't much to tell about happiness. I am not sure, on novels, I have the impression many are true to life in presenting happiness as a temporary state, something fragile, easily lost - depicting the different ways people get on with that reality.

I was just crossing Sebastopol Bulevard, and I passed a homeless man, lying on the floor, wrapped in a blanket , a young man about 25 years old. He was reading a book, a very thick book. He had a very relaxed mine, I think he was happy. Happiness is no big deal, indeed, you have nothing to write about.

But you made me curious, with this book. It would be the first Maupassant:))

P.E. wrote: "Very apt summary of the book, Ilse!"
Thank you, P-E! I read it long ago and thought it pretty devastating, reading it while carrying a new born baby on my shoulder the sorrow and fate of Jeanne was hard to stomach.

Florencia wrote: "I remember enjoying many short stories by this author. It's odd, I thought I had this one already on my to-read list. Perhaps it was a collection.
By the way, Théodore's comment was spot-on.
So far, from what I remember from his short stories, I thought them more powerful than the two novels I’ve read by him, Florencia, but I haven’t yet read his most acclaimed novel, Pierre et Jean. Always a pleasure to hear from you, my friend - it’s been wonderful to find your postings again in the feed lately. Théodore’s observations for sure ever makes one think :-)!

Poignant and striking reviews (the thread as well) especially "...because there isn't much to tell about happiness."