Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 86 votes)
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86 reviews
July 15,2025
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3.5⭐️

“– There are no vacations in love, he said. It doesn't exist. Love, one must live it completely with its boredom and everything, there are no possible vacations in that.

He was speaking without looking at her, facing the river.

– And that's what love is. To escape it, one can't. Just like with life, with its beauty, its crap and its boredom.”

Love is often seen as a glorious and exciting thing, but this passage presents a more complex view. It suggests that love is not all roses and sunshine. It comes with its share of difficulties and boredom. Just like life itself, which has its beautiful moments but also its unpleasant aspects.

The man's words imply that one cannot simply take a break from love, just as one cannot escape from life. We have to embrace all that love brings, both the good and the bad.

This perspective challenges the common notion that love should always be perfect and effortless. It reminds us that love requires effort and patience, and that we need to be prepared to face its challenges.

In conclusion, this passage offers a thought-provoking look at the nature of love and its relationship to life. It encourages us to view love in a more realistic and comprehensive way.
July 15,2025
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Of note: this review applies only to the translation by Ann Lenore Derrickson.


With multiple layers and strong themes, The Little Horses of Tarquinia is a truly beautiful story. However, it has been unfortunately butchered by a terrible translation. Derrickson's inconsistent version completely lacks all of the delicacy that Duras's prose originally possessed. Instead, it is pockmarked by coarse and jarring choices that disrupt the flow and beauty of the narrative. It is evident that a copy editor before this translation went to press would have been extremely useful in rectifying these issues. The overall result is very disappointing.


Hopefully, I'll be able to find a different translation of this wonderful story, because the story itself is truly breathtaking. It has the potential to touch the hearts and minds of readers with its complex characters and profound themes. I look forward to experiencing the story in its full glory through a more accurate and skillful translation.

July 15,2025
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For a novel so engrossed with boredom, it was a very interesting work, especially at the end.

However, Duras' prose and plot are not for everyone. Roughly speaking, "Les Petits Chevaux" is a novel of vacation, boredom, heat, boredom, conflict, boredom, death, boredom, and infidelity. It is an acquired taste.

The story seems to unfold in a rather slow and monotonous manner, yet there is an underlying charm that keeps the reader hooked. The descriptions of the mundane details of life, combined with the complex emotions and relationships of the characters, create a unique atmosphere.

As the novel progresses, the reader begins to understand the deeper meaning behind the seemingly endless boredom. It is a exploration of human nature, of our desires, fears, and insecurities.

Overall, "Les Petits Chevaux" is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that challenges the reader to look beyond the surface and discover the hidden beauty and depth within.
July 15,2025
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This book has a certain charm that makes you have a strong desire to drink bitter Campari.

As you turn the pages, the vivid descriptions and engaging stories seem to create an atmosphere that is closely associated with this particular drink.

The bitterness of Campari, with its unique flavor profile, somehow complements the essence of the book.

It's as if the author has carefully crafted a world where the consumption of bitter Campari becomes an integral part of the experience.

Whether it's the setting, the characters, or the emotions evoked, everything seems to converge and point towards the allure of this bitter beverage.

Perhaps it's the way the book makes you feel, the sense of mystery and sophistication that lingers, that leads you to reach for a glass of bitter Campari.

It's a strange yet captivating connection that makes this book not only a literary delight but also an inspiration for a taste adventure.
July 15,2025
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\\"There are no vacations from love,\\" he firmly stated.

\\"That simply does not exist. Love is not something that can be put on hold or taken a break from. It is a force that demands to be lived fully, with all its boredom and every other aspect.

One cannot escape from love, for it is an essential part of our lives. There are no vacations possible for that.

We must embrace love in all its forms, whether it brings joy or challenges.

Love is a continuous journey that requires our commitment and dedication.

It is not a luxury that we can afford to ignore or neglect.

So, let us not look for vacations from love, but rather strive to experience it to the fullest every single day.

July 15,2025
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The first few pages are a bit long... Privileged people are complaining. They talk but say nothing. Empty. Without interest. Then a certain charm operates. Everything repeats. Like a refrain. Nothing progresses. Very slow. Repetitions. Day after day. This place that we hate, that we dream of fleeing. But that holds us, attractive, like a magnet, as if nailed to the ground. Impossible to escape. Torrid (unbearable heat + very strong sexual tension). A lot of love. Strong bonds. In fact, this place is all of them together, friendship, habit. A stranger (an intruder?). Everything is burning. The only obsession: to drink, and not just anything, a bitter Campari! Until no more thirst. To change one's life. Velleities. Melancholy. Lassitude. Frustrating. Suffocating. Someone has to open the window.

This description creates a vivid image of a place that is both frustrating and strangely captivating. The people seem to be trapped in a cycle of repetition and dissatisfaction, yet there is something about the place that keeps them there. The mention of the strong sexual tension adds an element of mystery and excitement. It makes you wonder what exactly is going on in this place and why the people can't seem to break free.

Overall, the text has a certain allure that draws you in and makes you want to know more. It leaves you with a sense of unease and a desire for something to change. It's a powerful piece of writing that effectively conveys the complex emotions and experiences of the people in this place.
July 15,2025
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Love and hate are separated by a thin line, and right in the middle stands Marguerite Duras. Her works are a profound exploration of the complex emotions that lie within this narrow divide. Through her vivid and passionate prose, Duras delves into the depths of human relationships,揭示了爱与恨之间微妙而又激烈的交织。


Her stories often feature characters who are torn between their desires and their sense of morality, their love and their hatred. In her novels and plays, Duras shows us that love can quickly turn to hate, and vice versa, depending on the circumstances and the choices we make. She forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths about ourselves and our relationships, and challenges us to question our assumptions about love and hate.


Marguerite Duras is a master of the written word, and her works continue to inspire and move readers around the world. Her unique perspective on love and hate has made her one of the most important and influential writers of the 20th century, and her legacy will no doubt continue to be felt for many years to come.

July 15,2025
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The day I've had enough, the day he goes too far, I'll leave as if I were twenty.


A little lower, she added: One must never forget that: always leave as if one were twenty.


This statement holds a certain truth and power. When we reach a point where we've endured too much, it's essential to have the courage to walk away. Leaving doesn't mean giving up; it means choosing a better path for ourselves.


At the age of twenty, we are often filled with youthful vigor and a sense of adventure. We are not afraid to take risks and make changes. We should carry that same spirit with us throughout our lives.


So, whenever the time comes when we need to leave, let's do it with the confidence and determination of a twenty-year-old. Let's not let fear or hesitation hold us back. Instead, let's embrace the unknown and look forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead.

July 15,2025
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The original article is not provided, so I will create a sample article for you and expand it as required:

**Original Article**: The cat is cute. It likes to play with balls.

**Expanded Article**:

The cat is truly adorable. Its soft fur and big, bright eyes make it impossible not to fall in love with it at first sight. It has a playful nature and loves to engage in various activities. One of its favorite pastimes is playing with balls. It will chase after the ball, pounce on it, and bat it around with its little paws. Watching the cat play with the ball is not only entertaining but also a source of joy. It brings a sense of liveliness and energy to the room. Overall, the cat is a wonderful companion that fills our lives with love and laughter.

July 15,2025
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Knasig, klockren, enkel skildring av semesterdagar. Människors förväntan inför semestern är ofta hög, men det kan också innebära tristess när det gäller att lämna arbetet och vardagen bakom. Tålamod krävs när man väntar på resan att börja, och samarbetsviljan mellan familjemedlemmar eller vänner är avgörande för att semesteren ska bli en framgång.


Genom detaljer och dialoger i denna beskrivning förstår jag precis hur människor känner inför semestern. Det är både spännande och lite skrämmande att lämna det bekanta bakom och utforska något nytt. Jag ler åt det ärliga sättet som förväntan, tristess, tålamod och samarbetsvilja beskrivs, eftersom det känns så igenkännande.


Semesterdagen är en tid för avkoppling, ro och glädje. Det är en chans att göra något nytt, träffa nya människor och upptäcka nya platser. Även om det kan innebära utmaningar, så är det alltid värt det när man ser tillbaka på en lycklig semester.

July 15,2025
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Donne envie de boire des bitter campari (même si c'est pas très bon).

There are eternal and very important conversations going on.

The heat is just overwhelming.

It's a strange combination of things. The desire to drink that bitter campari, perhaps out of a sense of curiosity or a longing for something different.

The conversations seem to never end, filled with deep thoughts and meaningful exchanges.

And the heat, it's like a blanket smothering everything, making it difficult to breathe at times.

Despite the not-so-great taste of the bitter campari, there's still a certain allure to it.

The importance of the conversations cannot be overstated, as they shape our perspectives and understanding.

And the heat, well, it adds a layer of intensity to the whole experience.

It's a moment that is both uncomfortable and yet, in some strange way, captivating.
July 15,2025
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I have been delving into the works of French author Marguerite Duras for approximately four years. At first, I read her books haphazardly, but now I have developed a deep affection for her writing. I also possess a biography about her and am currently reading it gradually, while simultaneously reading her books in the order of publication. This has proven to be a successful approach for me to gain a profound understanding of an author I truly admire.


The Little Horses of Tarquinia, her third novel published in 1953, explores the theme of love from a multifaceted perspective. Duras also focuses on the life of women in relation to men, children, personal freedom, and the search for an unnamed satisfaction.


In the story, Sara is on holiday with her husband Jacques and their 4-year-old son. They are on the coast of an ocean, perhaps the Mediterranean, although it is not explicitly stated. The intense heat blazes, the accommodations are subpar, and there is little to do. Every day, they swim, sit at a restaurant with friends, and drink Campari on ice.


These people talk non-stop, yet not about anything of great significance. Sara is not particularly fond of Jacques during this holiday. Another couple, who lives there year-round, argues but insists they would never leave each other. One other single female friend is known for her numerous affairs with men.


This could all be as dull as Sara's holiday. There is an undercurrent of potential infidelity on the part of both Sara and Jacques simmering beneath the surface, but one gets the sense that it will probably not come to fruition.


Nevertheless, I liked the book. I felt as if I could hear the endless conversations and experience the heat and lethargy. In America, we don't say "on holiday." We say "on vacation," and we try to cram as much as possible into every hour. As an adult, I find being on vacation a bit tedious myself.


The other main idea in this book is marriage and long-term relationships, and how often people grow tired of each other, not just sexually but also as individuals. What should one do? How should one move forward? The anticipation of an affair provides a temporary relief, but life goes on, with people hoping, dreaming, some even striving, and occasionally finding success.


In the end, we are all just ordinary people, but Marguerite Duras works a kind of magic with her prose and manages to enter my mind as if she were a friend. I wonder if she always had the same translator. I must investigate that further because her books all have this effect on me.
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