Thursday, June 24, 2010

Proust's Overcoat by Lorenza Foschini

4 Stars
R- 2-3
ARC received through Shelf Awareness

This was fascinating.... if slightly bizarre.

This slim volume is the story of one man's obsession with all things Proust.  And I mean serious obsession.

From hunting down souvenirs to worming his way into the funerals of Proust's friends, there's a certain creepy stalker element to the quest.

The ultimate, of course, is Proust's overcoat, which he not only wore constantly, but also used as a blanket while he lay in bed writing.  Though old and worn, it becomes the crown jewel in an amazing collection.

Very quick read, very interesting.  This is a translation (from Italian, I believe) and comes out in a few weeks in English.

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