The Red and the Black
June 28, 2019 8:24 PM - by Stendhal - Subscribe
Handsome, ambitious Julien Sorel is determined to rise above his humble provincial origins. Soon realizing that success can only be achieved by adopting the subtle code of hypocrisy by which society operates, he begins to achieve advancement through deceit and self-interest. His triumphant career takes him into the heart of glamorous Parisian society, along the way conquering the gentle, married Madame de Rênal, and the haughty Mathilde. But then Julien commits an unexpected, devastating crime - and brings about his own downfall.
This is Al Gore's favorite novel.
This is Al Gore's favorite novel.
This has been on my to-read list for...decades.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 9:35 AM on June 30, 2019
posted by TWinbrook8 at 9:35 AM on June 30, 2019
Parts of it we're good, but I found Julien's relationship with Mathilde pretty aggravating.
There are two late developments that literally had me say aloud, "Wait, WHAT?!?"
posted by Chrysostom at 11:00 AM on June 30, 2019
There are two late developments that literally had me say aloud, "Wait, WHAT?!?"
posted by Chrysostom at 11:00 AM on June 30, 2019
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this. Vivid characters and settings, cynical without being jaundiced. I can probably guess what those two late developments were, and I felt the same.
posted by chimpsonfilm at 7:29 AM on July 1, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by chimpsonfilm at 7:29 AM on July 1, 2019 [1 favorite]
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posted by Chrysostom at 8:24 PM on June 28, 2019 [1 favorite]