The Square
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1955
160
Novel • Fiction
Europe • 1950s
1955
Adult
18+ years
"The Square" by Marguerite Duras is a novella that unfolds through the dialogue between a young woman and a man in a public park. The woman, a domestic worker dissatisfied with her degrading job, and the man, a resigned traveling salesman, discuss their bleak lives and dreams, interspersed with episodes involving a young boy the woman cares for. Their conversation, marked by a polite and formal tone, hints at underlying romantic tension and ends ambiguously, leaving their future open to interpretation.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Mysterious
Marguerite Duras' The Square captivates with its minimalist dialogue and profound existential themes, showcasing her distinct narrative style. Critics praise its intense character study and introspective depth. However, some find the deliberate pacing challenging and the sparse plot unsatisfying. Recommended for those who appreciate literary exploration of human connection.
Readers who appreciate introspective, dialogue-driven narratives like Albert Camus’s The Stranger or Jean-Paul Sartre’s No Exit would enjoy Marguerite Duras’s The Square. Its philosophical exploration of human connection and existential themes appeals to those captivated by post-war French literature.
160
Novel • Fiction
Europe • 1950s
1955
Adult
18+ years
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