Ferdydurke by Witold Gombrowicz
"Ferdydurke" is a satirical novel that explores the themes of maturity, identity, and societal norms. The protagonist, a thirty-year-old writer, is forcibly regressed by two professors back to his adolescence and placed in a school setting. The narrative critiques the artificiality of adulthood and the pressure of societal expectations, while also exploring the struggle for self-expression and individuality. The book is known for its absurdist humor and its examination of the human condition.
The 374th greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 5th on Kanon na koniec wieku (Canon at the end of the century) (Rzeczpospolita (newspaper))
- 6th on Biblioteca (Argentina)
- 37th on In Which These Are the 100 Greatest Novels (ThisRecording.com)
- 63rd on 100 Best Novels, in Translation, Since 1900 (CounterPunch)
- 185th on Our Users' Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- 323rd on The 500 best books of all time from Culture Café users (Culture Café)
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (The Book)
- Best Foreign Work of Fiction Chosen by Francophone Writers (French literary magazine Transfuge)