The Sea Wall by Marguerite Duras
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 1037th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1950
- Nationality
- French
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 288
- Words
- Unknown
- Original Language
- French
- Alternate Titles
-
- Un barrage contre le Pacifique
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This book is on the following 4 lists:
- 37th on The 50 best French language books from 1900 to today (Le Temps)
- 92nd on The 101 Favorite Novels of 'Le Monde' Readers (Le Monde)
- 288th on The 500 best books of all time from Culture Café users (Culture Café)
- Novels that Changed The World (Radio France)