The Afternoon of Mr Andesmas was an experience that was akin to reading shifting sand.

Throughout the narrative, there was a shiny franc piece that seemed to be hidden and then revealed at various intervals.

It was as if the story was playing a game of hide and seek with this small yet significant object.

The use of this imagery added an element of mystery and intrigue to the tale, making it all the more captivating for the reader.

One couldn't help but wonder what the significance of the franc piece was and how it would ultimately factor into the overall plot.

Perhaps it was a symbol of something greater, a clue that would lead to a deeper understanding of the characters and their motives.

Whatever the case may be, it was clear that the shiny franc piece was an important part of The Afternoon of Mr Andesmas and added to its overall charm and allure.

Sometimes the “novels”, which are more like novellas, verge on self-parody. However, when they are good, they are truly great. For example, the first two parts of Moderato Cantabile are excellent.

I still think that I prefer Duras’ work in film. India Song is a perfect movie. It showcases her unique vision and artistic style. The way she uses images, sounds, and dialogue in the film creates a captivating and immersive experience.

Yet, I have not found her perfect book so far. Maybe it’s because her writing style in novels is different from that in film. Or perhaps I have not yet discovered the right book that truly represents her literary genius. Nevertheless, I will continue to explore her works, both in film and in literature, in the hope of finding that one perfect piece that will leave a lasting impression on me.

"Moderato Cantabile" is a captivating and evocative piece.

It has a certain charm that draws the listener in and holds their attention. The gentle tempo, indicated by "moderato," gives it a measured and flowing quality.

The melody is sung in a cantabile style, which means it is smooth and lyrical, as if it is telling a story.

As the music unfolds, one can imagine a variety of emotions and scenes. It might bring to mind a peaceful countryside, a beautiful sunset, or a tender moment between two people.

The use of different instruments and their harmonious combinations add depth and richness to the piece.

Whether listened to alone or in a group setting, "Moderato Cantabile" has the power to transport the listener to a world of beauty and emotion.

It is a musical gem that continues to be cherished and enjoyed by many.

Haunting, lovely, restrained, full of unresolved tensions. These are the characteristics that define Duras' writing. She is truly a master when it comes to penning emotional truths. What makes her work so remarkable is that she allows the reader to make the discovery on their own. Instead of spoon-feeding the emotions, she leaves it up to the reader to uncover the hidden depths within each story.

Each of these stories, in a different way, has the power to leave one feeling uncomfortable and unappeased. They linger in the mind long after the final page has been turned. I have found myself thinking about each of them since I read them. There is something about Duras' writing that gets under your skin and refuses to let go.

Perhaps it is the way she captures the complexity of human emotions, or the way she weaves together a narrative that is both beautiful and disturbing. Whatever it is, Duras' stories are a testament to her talent as a writer. They are a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the darker side of the human psyche.

In the story "10:30 on a Summer Night," the events unfold in a rather unique way. It takes us into a specific moment in time during a warm summer night. The details described paint a vivid picture of the setting. We can almost feel the gentle breeze and see the stars twinkling in the sky. The characters in the story seem to be affected by the atmosphere of the night. Their actions and emotions are intertwined with the beauty and mystery that surrounds them. As the story progresses, we are drawn deeper into their world, experiencing their joys and sorrows. The rating of this story could potentially be quite high due to its ability to engage the reader and create a sense of immersion. It makes us think about our own experiences during summer nights and the memories that are associated with them. Overall, "10:30 on a Summer Night" is a captivating story that leaves a lasting impression.

I'm rating this based on the short story, "10:30 on a Summer Night."

Duras truly showcases her remarkable talent by making excellent use of setting to vividly describe the internal dynamics of the protagonist.

The summer night at 10:30 serves as a powerful backdrop that enhances the reader's understanding of the character's emotions and thoughts.

The warm, humid air seems to weigh on the protagonist, mirroring the heaviness in their heart.

The soft moonlight that filters through the trees casts an ethereal glow, perhaps symbolizing the protagonist's hopes and dreams that are just out of reach.

The gentle rustling of the leaves and the distant sounds of crickets create a sense of tranquility, yet beneath this surface calm lies a turmoil of emotions within the protagonist.

Duras masterfully weaves the setting into the fabric of the story, allowing the reader to not only visualize the scene but also to feel the protagonist's inner turmoil.

It is through this skillful use of setting that Duras brings the story to life and makes it a truly engaging and thought-provoking read.

The most formative collection I've ever read is truly a remarkable piece of work.

It has had a profound impact on my thinking and understanding.

The stories within this collection are not only engaging but also thought-provoking.

Each one offers a unique perspective and challenges my preconceived notions.

The characters are well-developed and come to life on the page, making it easy for me to empathize with their experiences.

The writing style is流畅 and captivating, drawing me in from the very first sentence.

This collection has taught me valuable lessons about life, love, and human nature.

It has broadened my horizons and made me more open-minded.

I would highly recommend this collection to anyone looking for a meaningful and enriching read.

It is a must-have for any book lover's library.

The Square - 2 stars

This work might have had some interesting aspects, but it failed to fully engage me. The story felt a bit flat and lacking in depth.

Moderato Cantabile - 4 stars

On the other hand, Moderato Cantabile was a much more captivating read. The characters were well-developed, and the plot had enough twists and turns to keep me hooked.

10.30 on a Summer Night - 5 stars

10.30 on a Summer Night was truly a gem. The atmosphere was beautifully created, and the story was both poignant and thought-provoking.

The Afternoon of Mr. Andesmas - 3 stars

The Afternoon of Mr. Andesmas was an average read. It had its moments, but it didn't leave a lasting impression.

Overall - 3.5 stars

Taking all the works into consideration, the overall rating is 3.5 stars. While some were outstanding, others fell short. However, on the whole, it was an interesting collection that offered a variety of reading experiences.

Such melancholy, like the sun setting on a hazy gray day, lingers in the air. It casts a shadow over my heart, making me feel a sense of longing and incompleteness. I find myself constantly pondering over the narrative, as if there is something hidden beneath the surface that I am desperate to uncover.

I always feel like I'm missing something from the narrative. It's as if the author is deliberately withholding certain details, creating an air of mystery that intrigues me even more. This withholding actually draws me in, making me want to read on and discover the truth.

Maybe it's the anticipation of finding out what lies beneath the surface that keeps me hooked. Or perhaps it's the realization that there is more to the story than meets the eye. Whatever the reason, this melancholy and the sense of mystery it creates have a strange allure that I can't seem to resist.

Read ten thirty on a summer night last night. With all the windows open, the wonderful summer smells were gently drifting in. The soft breeze carried the fragrance of blooming flowers and the freshness of the grass. It was truly a beautiful moment. The moonlight shone through the window, casting a gentle glow on the pages of the book. I sat there, completely immersed in the story, while enjoying the pleasant summer atmosphere. The sounds of crickets chirping outside added to the tranquility of the night. It was as if time had stopped, and I was in a world of my own. This summer night was a precious gift, and I will always remember the beauty and serenity it brought.

Of the four novels, each one was exquisitely written. I am truly enamored with her writing style.

Two of the novels, namely The Square and Moderat Cantabile, I found to be moderately interesting stories.

However, one novel stood out as absolutely fabulous, and that was 10:30 on a Summer Night.

The other novel, The afternoon of Mr. Andesmas, I simply couldn't finish as it was a real sleeper.

10:30 on a Summer Night tells the story of a woman who, within a single night, witnesses her husband's interest shift away from her and towards a younger woman.

Simultaneously, the police are combing the town for a man who has murdered his wife and her lover for cheating on him.

The question then arises, what will occur when their paths intersect?

This novel is a wonderful read, told in a rich and engaging manner, and is truly very moving.

Alan Chin.

Four Novellas in one, which I understand are typical of this author.

The first novella is about a 17-year-old girl, a maid, who chats with a travelling salesman on a park bench about their respective lives.

In the second one, Anne, while taking her kid to piano lessons, becomes fascinated by a murder. She chats with a witness barman. Is it morbid curiosity, love, or just plain interest?

The third novella tells of Pierre and his alcoholic wife Maria arriving at a hotel. Rodrigo is on the run after killing his girlfriend and adulterous mate. Maria, because Pierre is initiating an affair with Claire, aids Rodrigo's escape.

The fourth one is about Mr Andesmas waiting for Mr Arc and/or his daughter Valerie at his recent land/house purchase. A small girl, a dog, and Mr Arc's wife appear.

The novellas have a sparse style with a deep understated manner, a bit like Camus. They all have that sense of "where's this going?" with the expectation of an unexpected ending. What's really interesting is what the reader thinks is really going on. The conclusions to each story are somewhat open-ended.

I really enjoyed these tales. They are low-key, concise, sombre, existential, and well written. They make you think and keep you engaged until the very end.