The Charterhouse Of Parma by Stendhal (Penguin Classics)

Description

“The Charterhouse of Parma” by Stendhal, originally titled “La Chartreuse de Parme” in French, is a classic novel of French literature. This historical novel, first published in 1839, is celebrated for its vivid characters, political intrigue, and exploration of human ambition and desire.

Set in Italy during the turbulent Napoleonic era, the novel follows the life of Fabrice del Dongo, a young and impulsive nobleman from a provincial Italian town. Fabrice’s journey takes him from a sheltered upbringing to the chaos of war, courtly politics, and ultimately, his imprisonment in the Charterhouse of Parma.

Stendhal’s writing is characterized by its psychological insight and keen observations of human behavior. Through the lens of Fabrice, the novel explores themes of love, ambition, power, and the clash between personal desires and the constraints of society.

“The Charterhouse of Parma” is considered one of the great novels of the 19th century and is admired for its narrative complexity, character development, and Stendhal’s distinctive narrative voice. It continues to be studied and appreciated for its exploration of the human condition and the complexities of individual desires and motivations.