So Ive started In Search of Lost Time — im halfway through Swann’s Way — and so far I’m enjoying it a lot, but I’m the type of person where, if I try to read one series for too long, i get burnt out. To prevent this i tend to read a few books at once and take breaks between books in series, sometimes lasting over a month. could I do this with ISOLT or is it one of those series where reading it all in one go is necessary?
by Siggney
4 Comments
I don’t think Proust can be read through like a fantasy series. A bit here and there. Go away and come back. You’re never done.
It was released over a span of 14 years.
I’d be surprised if anyone’s been able to read all of Proust’s work in one go: if anything, taking breaks will help you absorb the density of his writing and stop you from hurling the book out of your window. I can’t find the exact source, but I recall reading that Henry James, writing to one of his friends, recommended that she read his work at the pace of a chapter a day (or something to that effect): I’m someone who likes reading quickly, but with authors like James and Proust I think it’s best to take your time.
I read about one book every year or two. Definitely take a break. It would take about 50-75 pages to re-immerse myself but normally no problems.