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Voltaire

Candide

VoltaireFiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1759

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Book Brief

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Voltaire

Candide

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1759
Book Details
Pages

129

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • 18th Century

Publication Year

1759

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Candide, expelled from his castle for kissing his love Cunégonde, embarks on a globe-trotting adventure full of misfortunes and philosophical debates. Journeying through wars, earthquakes, shipwrecks, and executions, he reunites with various characters, ultimately rejecting naive optimism in favor of "cultivating his garden." This fast-paced satirical novel critiques Enlightenment-era philosophies. Depicts depictions of sexual violence and human suffering.

Humorous

Bittersweet

Mysterious

Adventurous

Reviews & Readership

4.1

288,184 ratings

63%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Candide by Voltaire is celebrated for its sharp wit and satirical critique of optimism and societal norms. Critics admire its humor and philosophical depth, though some find its dark tone and relentless cynicism overwhelming. The narrative's brisk pace and memorable characters are often praised, though its blunt depiction of human suffering can be polarizing.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Candide?

A reader who enjoys Candide by Voltaire would appreciate sharp wit and satire, a critique of philosophical optimism, and adventurous storytelling. Ideal readers also likely enjoy Jonathan Swift's Gulliver’s Travels and George Orwell's Animal Farm, which similarly use satire to examine society and human nature.

4.1

288,184 ratings

63%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

129

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • 18th Century

Publication Year

1759

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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