The little horses, yes, I remembered them three-quarters in, as they are not mentioned until then. Boredom, vacation melancholy, an allusion or underlying reference to the war through the deminer who dies and the parents who refuse to sign the death certificates (by the way, in a few weeks I'll be reading the second book that has to do with deminer deaths, or actually three - War Has No Woman's Face surely has such stories in it, the other one is Ugrešić's The Fox) and the expression that the black man knows more about the white man because of their different positions that keeps coming up, true falsehood and, one might say, how one can love and be loyal to each other despite bothering each other. Pretty realistically written, repetitive and melancholy, which makes one feel the vacation blues. At the same time interesting enough to keep reading, almost remarkably so.

Don't read the preface if you don't want the book's plot spoiled. I don't understand this trend - couldn't that type of text come afterwards instead?

Reading project: #52books2022 (week 1: a book that takes place during the summer) - follow and join on Instagram if you want.

This is truly the perfect read for a sweltering day.

The prose is simply lovely and has that hypnotic quality that is so typical of Duras.

As you turn the pages, you are drawn into a world that is both dreamlike and yet so real.

The words seem to flow effortlessly, lulling you into a state of relaxation and wonder.

Duras has a unique ability to capture the essence of human emotions and relationships, and this book is no exception.

Whether you are lounging by the pool or seeking refuge from the heat indoors, this book is sure to transport you to another place and time.

So, grab a cold drink, find a comfortable spot, and lose yourself in the beautiful prose of Duras.

You won't be disappointed.

Her first of about, well, fuck it, I really don't know - maybe ~15 masterpieces? Boring? Are you fucking crazy? Read this because herein you see Duras has stopped simply moving pieces around for the sake of understanding how other people's novels work and has instead discovered her own unique creative distillery. It's right here, fully formed. It's about as good as Duras can get, which is to say it's as good as anything starring Helen Hunt.

This work is a testament to Duras's growth and evolution as a writer. It shows her ability to break free from the constraints of imitation and find her own voice. The story is engaging, the characters are vivid, and the prose is beautiful. It's a must-read for anyone who loves literature or wants to see how a great writer develops.

Don't be put off by the initial appearance of the text. Look beyond the swear words and the seemingly random comments and you'll find a gem of a story. Duras has created something truly special here, and it's well worth your time and attention.

I often have difficulties with Duras' writing style.

However, I love the heavy flow of time in "The Little Horses of Tarquinia".

Whenever someone mentions a vacation by the sea to me, I think of this novel.

The story seems to unfold in a slow and dreamy manner, as if time itself has been stretched and distorted.

The descriptions of the seaside setting, the characters' emotions, and the complex relationships between them all contribute to the unique atmosphere of the book.

It's as if Duras has created a world of her own, where everything is a little bit different, a little bit more intense.

Despite the challenges of her writing, I find myself drawn back to "The Little Horses of Tarquinia" again and again, eager to explore its mysteries and lose myself in its beautiful, yet somewhat melancholy, narrative.

Maybe it's because this novel captures something essential about the human experience, something that we all recognize and yet struggle to put into words.

In any case, it remains one of my favorite works of literature, and a constant source of inspiration and wonder.

The writing of Ntýras perhaps didn't suit me.

I couldn't understand any character. Some information was given fragmentarily and the dialogues were not helpful at all.

Of course, I leave a lot of room for the fact that I didn't like it and the fact that the translation was problematic. There were times when I couldn't understand the meaning of a sentence and I didn't know where to attribute it: to the author or to the translation.

Maybe it was a combination of both. The story might have been lost in translation, or perhaps the author's style was too complex for me to grasp.

Either way, it was a disappointing reading experience. I hope that in the future, I will come across works that are more to my taste and that I can fully appreciate.

I think one has to be in a certain "mood" to appreciate this novel, and I believe I was in the best possible state as I was on summer vacation myself.

The languor of a burning summer under suffocating heat between the sea and the mountains:

"It's the same all over Europe, 43 in Paris, 46 in Modena and also 43 in Berlin, like in Paris."

Where there is nothing else to do but swim, drink Bitter Campari and hope for the rain that won't come.

In the end, nothing really happens, but I was more or less, at times, carried away by these lines.

"There are no vacations in love, it doesn't exist. Love has to be lived completely with its boredom and everything, there are no possible vacations in that."

However, I think it is important to space out my readings of Marguerite Duras to fully appreciate the "Durassian" style.

Her writing is so unique and powerful that it requires a certain amount of distance and reflection to truly understand and savor.

Each time I pick up one of her novels, I am plunged into a world of intense emotions and complex relationships.

The simplicity of her language belies the depth of her insights into the human condition.

Whether it's the heat of summer or the cold of winter, Duras' works always manage to touch something deep within me.

"Pas mon Duras préféré." This simple sentence holds a certain weight. It implies that the particular work or aspect of Duras being referred to is not the favorite.

Duras is a renowned figure, and her body of work is vast and diverse. Each piece likely has its own unique charm and characteristics.

Perhaps the reason for this not being the preferred one could be due to personal taste, different expectations, or maybe it didn't resonate as strongly as other works by Duras.

However, just because it's not the favorite doesn't mean it lacks value. It could still offer interesting insights, beautiful language, or a different perspective.

It's important to remember that everyone's preferences are subjective, and what one person may not like, another might find captivating.

So, while this particular Duras piece may not be at the top of someone's list, it still has its place in the literary landscape and should be respected and considered.

One of her best!

This statement holds a great deal of significance. It implies that whatever she has accomplished or created is of extremely high quality. It could refer to a work of art, a piece of writing, a performance, or any other endeavor. When something is considered one of her best, it means that it stands out among the rest of her body of work. It showcases her skills, talent, and dedication at their peak. It is a testament to her hard work and the effort she has put in to achieve excellence. Such a creation is likely to be highly regarded and admired by others. It may leave a lasting impression and have a significant impact. Whether it is a masterpiece that will be remembered for years to come or a momentary achievement that brings joy and satisfaction, being one of her best is a remarkable feat.

It is not precisely my delirium, but it is impossible to deny that it is very good.

This statement holds a certain truth. Sometimes, things may seem a bit out of the ordinary or beyond our immediate understanding, yet they possess an undeniable charm or quality.

It could be a work of art that challenges our perception, a new idea that makes us think differently, or an experience that leaves us in awe.

Even if it doesn't conform to our traditional notions of what is "normal" or expected, we cannot simply dismiss it as unworthy.

Instead, we should approach it with an open mind and a willingness to explore its potential.

By doing so, we may discover something truly remarkable and expand our horizons in the process.

After all, it is often the things that are a little bit "off" that have the greatest impact on our lives and make us see the world in a whole new light.

What is most impressive about this book is the fact that no one has ever adapted it for the cinema. If it were well converted from one language to another, a dense, oppressive, and despairing film could be constructed based on the most ordinary moments, dialogues, and actions of life.

This book seems to hold a hidden potential that awaits to be discovered on the big screen. The mundane details it presents have the power to create a profound and impactful cinematic experience.

Perhaps the reason it has not been adapted yet is because of the challenge it poses. Translating the essence of the book into a visual medium requires a great deal of skill and understanding.

However, if someone were to take on this task and succeed, the resulting film could be a masterpiece that would leave a lasting impression on the audience.

A rather typical summer novel, but the direct and evocative language of Duras always pleases me. I haven't read it since university, and it has been a great literary vacation.

Duras' works have a unique charm. Her writing style is concise yet powerful, capable of expressing complex emotions and deep thoughts with just a few words. In this summer novel, we can feel the heat of the summer, the restlessness of the characters, and the beauty and sadness of life.

Although it is a typical summer novel, it is not lacking in depth and innovation. Duras explores themes such as love, loss, and identity, making us think about our own lives and relationships. Reading this novel is like taking a journey through a summer landscape, filled with beautiful scenery and unforgettable experiences.

Overall, this is a great novel that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves literature. It is a perfect choice for a summer vacation, allowing you to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the world of Duras' words.

It was really quite harsh.

It was a bit strange to read about the heatwave, the bitter Campari, and the dripping sweat while it was snowing outside.

Maybe it detached me a little from the story and the established atmosphere.

When it's not hot, one forgets how the heat can drive people crazy.

Otherwise, I really liked it!

It made me think about the contrast between the different weather conditions and how they can affect our perception and experience.

The description of the heatwave was so vivid that it almost made me feel the discomfort and restlessness.

And the mention of the bitter Campari added an interesting touch, as if it was a symbol of the intense emotions and experiences during that hot period.

Overall, it was a unique and engaging read that left a lasting impression on me.