Henry de Montherlant (1895–1972)

An aging veteran of the Spanish Civil War has been living in Paris, in exile, for many years. He is an ardent anarchist, obsessed with Spanish politics. Initially he seems somewhat ludicrous and out of touch with the times, as well as absurdly paranoid about his need to watch out for being arrested for his crimes during the war. Due to family circumstances he must risk a return to Spain. I will not spoil the plot, but the ending is excellent.

More than a story, this novel represents an exposition on facing mortality. The author suggests that all that is true are "chaos" (life) & "night" (that which exists before birth & after death). Much philosophical pondering occurs throughout this tale, and the combination make for an excellent reading experience.

One warning: If one does not know Paris intimately the beginning can be confusing. Eventually, however, it makes no difference.… (mer)

> Par Adrian (Laculturegenerale.com) : Les 150 classiques de la littérature française qu’il faut avoir lus !
07/05/2017 - Auteur qui insuffle à ses oeuvres une énergie virile, Montherlant contraint ici ses personnages à accomplir un devoir difficile, fait émerger leur grandeur morale des contradictions qui les déchirent, et communique finalement sa vision pessimiste de l’existence.… (mer)