I have never read a word written by Marcel Proust, nor have I ever felt the urge to do so. The reputation for difficulty earned by Proust's books has encouraged me to keep my distance, I suppose. I have, however read a few things written by Alain de Botton and I like his style. I also like (and firmly believe) the premise that reading can change your life. Now, having read this book I feel quite interested in tackling Proust.
In reality, every reader is, while he is reading, the reader of his own self. The writer's work is merely a kind of optical instrument which he offers to the reader to enable him to discern what, without this book, he would perhaps never have experienced in himself. And the recognition by the reader in his own self of what the book says is the proof of its veracity. - Marcel Proust
Alain de Botton leads the reader through nine different themes for how to live a better life using examples from Proust's life and writing. This is a "self-help" book of the cheeky variety. While maintaining a respect for the man and the words, he does enjoy poking a bit of fun. For Marcel was an inveterate Mama's Boy, and fell into the unfortunate category of being a legitimately ill hypochondriac.
Contents:
- How to Love Life Today
- How to Read for Yourself
- How to Take Your Time
- How to Suffer Successfully
- How to Express Your Emotions
- How to Be a Good Friend
- How to Open Your Eyes
- How to Be Happy in Love
- How to Put Books Down
There were no earth-shattering revelations for me in How Proust Can Change Your Life. There was a re-enforcement of my own beliefs and that made it a really enjoyable and easy read. As he describes Proust's style of writing I am reminded of the calm that comes over me when I am immersed in enjoying wonderful art: savouring the delight that can be found in the smallest details painstakingly rendered.
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| "Glen Williams" by A. J. Casson |
As I read how Proust can teach us to open our eyes, to see the beauty in the details of our daily lives I was reminded of one of my favourite places online: for a little inspiration in appreciating the beauty around me nothing moves me more than Heather Bruggeman's wonderful blog Beauty That Moves. I especially love the photographs that she shares; the vast majority are the visual equivalent of Proust's madeleines and tea cup, a little bit of calm pondered thoughtfully in the stillness of the moment.
The moral? That we shouldn't deny the bread on the sideboard a place in our conception of beauty... Alain de Botton
I hope Alain de Botton inspires more authors to share how their favourite writers influence their lives. This book was a success for me as an enjoyable experience of reading, and as an introduction to Marcel Proust and his worldview. I always find it fascinating to learn how books affect different people, and the meaning they find in fiction.
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| Alain de Botton |
