BOOK BRIEF

In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower

Marcel Proust
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In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005

Book Brief

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Marcel Proust

In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

533

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

France • Late 19th century

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Marcel Proust's In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower, person-first narration explores adolescence, social dynamics, and the awakening of artistic consciousness. The protagonist navigates relationships, societal expectations, and personal growth set against the backdrop of early 20th-century France, capturing the essence of youthful transformation and desire.

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Melancholic

Romantic

Reviews & Readership

4.5

16,636 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower by Marcel Proust captivates with its rich depictions of youth and nuanced character exploration. Readers praise the lyrical prose and detailed narrative, although some find the pacing slow. Overall, it offers a profound reflection on memory and desire, appealing to those who appreciate intricate storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower?

Readers who enjoy In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower by Marcel Proust are typically fond of introspective and vivid explorations of memory and desire. They might also appreciate authors like Virginia Woolf, particularly her work To the Lighthouse, for its stream-of-consciousness style and attention to detail.

4.5

16,636 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower is the second volume of Marcel Proust's monumental seven-part series, In Search of Lost Time, which is known for its profound exploration of involuntary memory.

Published in 1919, the book won the prestigious Prix Goncourt in the same year, solidifying Proust's reputation as a significant literary figure.

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The novel's original French title, "À l'ombre des jeunes filles en fleurs," can be idiomatically translated to mean both "in the shadow of young girls" and "in the bloom of youth," reflecting the text's nuanced exploration of adolescence and beauty.

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Book Details
Pages

533

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

France • Late 19th century

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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