The Words
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1964
255
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
France • Early 20th Century
1964
Adult
18+ years
In The Words, Jean-Paul Sartre recounts his first ten years, exploring his childhood fascination with books and how it shaped his identity. The book is divided into "Reading" and "Writing," reflecting his early love for literature and his attempts to find himself through his writing. Sartre examines his family dynamics, particularly his mother's lost sense of self and his grandfather's influence, contemplating the impact on his identity.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Emotional
Informative
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Jean-Paul Sartre’s The Words is a compelling autobiography that skillfully combines literary introspection and philosophical musings. Critics praise its raw honesty and sharp narrative, though some find Sartre's extensive self-analysis tedious. The work resonates as reflective and intellectually rich, albeit occasionally overindulgent in self-critique.
A reader who would enjoy The Words by Jean-Paul Sartre is typically interested in autobiographical narratives and existential philosophy. Comparable to readers of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye and Hermann Hesse's Steppenwolf, they appreciate introspective and profound explorations of the self.
9,780 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
255
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
France • Early 20th Century
1964
Adult
18+ years
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