Marguerite Duras
Marguerite Duras was a French novelist, playwright, scriptwriter, essayist, and experimental filmmaker. She is best known for her novel 'The Lover,' which won the Prix Goncourt in 1984.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. The Lover
"The Lover" is a poignant exploration of forbidden love, power dynamics, and colonialism. Set in 1930s French Indochina, it tells the story of a tumultuous and passionate affair between a 15-year-old French girl and her wealthy, older Chinese lover. The narrative delves into the complexities of their relationship, the societal norms they defy, and the inevitable heartbreak that follows. The protagonist's struggle with her family's poverty and her mother's mental instability further complicates the story, making it a compelling exploration of love, desire, and societal constraints.
The 252nd Greatest Book of All Time -
2. The Sea Wall
The novel explores the struggles of a widowed mother and her two children as they try to survive in the colonial Indochina of the 1930s. They are fighting against the encroaching sea that threatens their rice fields with a futile sea wall, while also grappling with the pervasive corruption and exploitation of the colonial administration. The family's plight is further complicated by the daughter's emotional entanglement with a wealthy lover, which brings temporary relief but also new tensions. The narrative delves into themes of colonialism, poverty, and the harsh realities of a woman's role in society, painting a vivid picture of the era and the landscape that shapes their lives.
The 1025th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. The Ravishing of Lol Stein
The Ravishing of Lol Stein is a novel that explores the life of the eponymous character, who is traumatized by her fiancé's betrayal at a ball. This event leads her into a mental breakdown, after which she returns to her hometown and marries an older man. However, her life takes a turn when she becomes obsessed with a young couple, leading her to question her own sanity and reality. The book delves into themes of love, obsession, and the thin line between sanity and madness.
The 1484th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. The Afternoon of Monsieur Andesmas
"The Afternoon of Monsieur Andesmas" is a poignant exploration of memory, waiting, and the passage of time set in a small Mediterranean village. The narrative focuses on Monsieur Andesmas as he waits on a hillside for a contractor to discuss building a terrace for his daughter. As he waits, various interactions with the local people and his internal reflections reveal the complexities of his past relationships and the deep undercurrents of emotion tied to his family and his life choices. The novel delves into themes of guilt, regret, and the haunting nature of past decisions, all encapsulated in the quiet, tension-filled atmosphere of a single afternoon.
The 2097th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. The Vice-Consul
This novel follows the story of three lonely, dispossessed people in Calcutta, India: a troubled former French diplomat, a young French woman haunted by her past, and a poverty-stricken Indian woman. As their lives intersect, they grapple with desire, despair, and the struggle for redemption. The narrative is a complex exploration of colonialism, privilege, and the human condition, told through the lens of these three characters' tragic and intertwined lives.
The 2176th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Moderato Cantabile
The story revolves around Anne Desbaresdes, a wealthy but disenchanted woman who becomes fascinated by a crime of passion she witnesses in a café. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she forms a peculiar and intense relationship with Chauvin, a factory worker who shares her curiosity. Their conversations, filled with unspoken desires and existential musings, reveal the underlying tensions and unfulfilled longings in Anne's life, ultimately leading her to confront the constraints of her own existence. The narrative, marked by its lyrical prose and minimalist style, explores themes of love, alienation, and the search for meaning.
The 2633rd Greatest Book of All Time -
7. Four Novels
The Square, Moderato Cantabile, 10:30 on a Summer Night, The Afternoon of Mr. Andesmas
The book is a collection of four distinct yet thematically interconnected novels that delve into the complexities of human relationships, memory, and desire. Set against the backdrop of French colonialism in Southeast Asia and post-war France, the narratives explore the lives of individuals as they navigate love, loss, and the search for identity. The author's minimalist prose and fragmented storytelling technique reflect the inner turmoil of the characters, often blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Through these intimate portraits, the collection examines the intricate dance between the personal and the political, and the enduring impact of the past on the present.
The 12035th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. The War
This novel delves into the profound and harrowing experiences of a French woman waiting for her husband's return from a Nazi concentration camp at the end of World War II. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn Europe, the narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through a blend of diary entries, recollections, and introspective musings, the protagonist navigates the complexities of her emotions and the changing world around her. The story is a poignant reflection on the impact of war on individual lives and the enduring hope for reunion and healing amidst devastation.
The 12035th Greatest Book of All Time
