Title: Vendredi ou les limbes du Pacifique
Author: Michel Tournier
First published January 1, 1967
273 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9782070369591 (ISBN10: 2070369595)
Rating: 3.7
Overview
Everyone believes that I am dead, without exception. My own certainty of my existence is met with unanimous opposition.
No matter what I do, the image of Robinson’s corpse will forever be ingrained in the minds of all men. This is enough to push me to the edges of life, into a place suspended between heaven and hell, in the limbo…Closer to death than any other man, I am simultaneously closer to the very source of sexuality.
Explore the captivating story of a man who may be dead, but is more alive than ever before in Vendredi ou les limbes du Pacifique by Michel Tournier.
About the Author
Meet Michel Tournier, a renowned French writer who has captivated readers with his highly acclaimed works. He has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Grand Prix du roman de l’Académie française in 1967 for his novel Vendredi ou les limbes du Pacifique, and the Prix Goncourt for Le Roi des aulnes in 1970.
Tournier’s writing style often explores the fantastic, drawing inspiration from traditional German culture, Catholicism, and the philosophies of Gaston Bachelard. He resided in Choisel and was a valued member of the Académie Goncourt.
His autobiography, The Wind Spirit, has been translated and is available for readers to enjoy.
Editoral Review
Vendredi ou les limbes du Pacifique is a novel written by French author Michel Tournier and was first published on January 1st, 1967. Tournier is known for his philosophical explorations of human existence, and Vendredi ou les limbes du Pacifique is no exception.
The novel revolves around Robinson Crusoe and his adventures on a desert island in the Pacific. The novel opens with Robinson Crusoe stranded on the island, having survived a shipwreck.
In this lonesome place, he meets Friday, a native of the island, and the two form a bond. Crusoe teaches Friday how to speak English, and together, they attempt to make sense of their surroundings.
As they explore the island, Crusoe begins to discover more about himself and the life he left behind. Tournier delves into the psyche of Robinson Crusoe, exploring themes of identity, isolation, and the human connection.
The novel also sheds light on colonialism and the relationship between the colonizer and the colonized. Tournier’s exploration of these themes is incredibly insightful and adds depth to the plot.
The writing is beautiful, and Tournier’s description of the island is vivid and captivating. The characters are well-developed, and the reader is given a clear understanding of their motives and inner lives.
The pacing is slow at times, but the story never drags. The plot structure is well-crafted, and Tournier’s use of flashbacks to tell Crusoe’s backstory is seamless.
Vendredi ou les limbes du Pacifique is a masterpiece of French literature, and it has earned its place on the list of most influential novels of the 20th century. It offers a powerful meditation on the human condition and the search for meaning in a world that can often seem senseless.
One limitation of the novel is that it can be challenging to read for those unfamiliar with philosophical literature. The themes can be dense, and the philosophical musings may not be to everyone’s taste.
Another flaw is that some readers may find the ending unsatisfying, as it leaves many questions unanswered. Despite these limitations, Vendredi ou les limbes du Pacifique is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, colonialism, or the human condition.
It offers a unique perspective on these topics and provides insight that is still relevant today. I highly recommend this novel to anyone with an interest in these themes.
Overall, I would give Vendredi ou les limbes du Pacifique a rating of 4/5. The strengths of the novel outweigh its limitations, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in the themes it explores.
