Swann’s Way - Review

There is a kind of wonderful symmetry about the novel; I would describe it as being like a skilfully woven tapestry in the way that it all links together. I thought it would be useful to look at in a modernist context. I think that had it been written earlier there would have had to have been more of an emphasis on a straightforward narrative ‘autobiography’ style, whereas the book plays around with time, with language, with devices such as the inclusion of dreams and the use of food and drink to prompt memory or sensation. Nothing is fixed, and although there is a structure to it, it is not immediately apparent, unlike the earlier Victorian edifices, all craftsman built out of the solid construction of plot and character, this feels different. The plot is not linear, the characters are not fixed, and loose ends are left loose. Emotion and description are more important than plot.

It can seem as if Swann’s story has little relevance to the story of the narrator, yet it feels as if his story is the story of the narrator. I don’t know how this will be developed further in the novel but there is a feeling that the narrator is doomed to repeat Swann’s mistakes in becoming attracted to the wrong person. Also, Gilberte seems to be following her mother in the way that she seems to toy with the narrator’s affections. The narrator still hasn’t explained what prompted Swann’s unfortunate marriage either.

Frankly, this novel is a pain to read and a pain to write about. No matter what my estimation is as to how long it’s going to take me, I have to triple it then add some. I’ve had large chunks of time where I haven’t felt like picking it up, then large chunks of time where I’ve felt like reading it quite a bit. I do think it’s worth it, though. I can be reading along thinking ‘where the hell’s he going now?’ then suddenly I get an ‘aha’ moment where it all makes sense. I think it may take me two years to get to the end at least, and I may end up reading another BIHNR at the same time (I’m looking forward to reading Hilary Mantel’s books in particular). But it strengthens my concentration, particularly re-reading it on the Kindle when I am writing it up. I have no idea what to rate it as, I suppose I’d go with a four out of five, the one star being lost for sheer difficulty. 

Anyway, onto book two.