The Captive by Marcel Proust (Vintage 1956 Hardcover)

Description

“The Captive” is a novel written by the French author Marcel Proust. It is the fifth volume in his seven-volume series “In Search of Lost Time” (À la recherche du temps perdu), originally published in French as “La Prisonnière.” This series is considered one of the most significant and influential works of 20th-century literature.

“The Captive” continues the exploration of themes such as memory, love, art, and the intricate details of human relationships that Proust began in the earlier volumes. The novel focuses on the narrator’s obsession with the character Albertine, who is the titular captive. The narrator becomes infatuated with her and attempts to possess and control her, leading to an exploration of jealousy, possessiveness, and the complex dynamics of desire.

Marcel Proust’s writing in “In Search of Lost Time” is known for its intricate, introspective, and often digressive style. The novel is celebrated for its profound psychological insights, exploration of human emotions, and intricate prose. It’s often regarded as a cornerstone of modernist literature.

Reading “The Captive” as a part of the larger series is essential to fully grasp the depth and complexity of Proust’s narrative and characters. It’s a work of literature that has left a lasting impact on the world of fiction and is often studied and admired for its exploration of the inner workings of the human mind and the complexities of human relationships.