Le PĆØre Goriot [1835/1991] by HonorĆ© de Balzac – ā ā ā ā ā
This French classic lived up to my high expectations and even went beyond them. This is a tale of EugĆØne de Rastignac, a young man from countryside, who gets entangled in some tricky situations while chasing his coveted place at the very top of Parisian high society. Impoverished Father Goriot may just force the young man to rethink his quick and morally-dubious leap to success.
The Betrothed [1827/1942] by Alessandro Manzoni – ā ā ā ā ā
This tale of two lovers separated by circumstances may remind of Romeo & Juliet, but there is more here than first meets the eye: colourful characters include the Unnamed, the Nun of Monza and Cardinal Federigo Borromeo, and it so happens that Renzo and Lucia must face a plague, a city in revolt and a war before even thinking about any reunion. This is a true Italian classic.
Continue reading “July 2020 Wrap-Up: From Old Goriot to A Year in Marrakesh”
Thoughts on Papyrus 