Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 86 votes)
5 stars
28(33%)
4 stars
30(35%)
3 stars
28(33%)
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1 stars
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86 reviews
July 15,2025
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Innecesario. It is a completely empty story. On other occasions, Duras compensates with her writing talent, but not in this case. You have many books to read and life is very short. Don't waste your time on this one. I have already done it for you.

There are countless wonderful books waiting for you to explore. Each one has the potential to open up new worlds and expand your horizons. Why spend precious time on a story that offers nothing of value?

Instead, focus on those books that will inspire you, make you think, and touch your heart. Use your time wisely and fill it with the richness and depth that great literature can bring.

Trust me, you will not regret skipping this unnecessary book and moving on to something more meaningful. Your literary journey awaits!

July 15,2025
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I absolutely adored this book!

The atmosphere it creates is precisely everything that I love.

It brings to life the essence of summer, with its warmth and the inviting presence of the sea.

However, one must really hold on tight to fully enjoy this novel and uncover all the beauty that emerges from it.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

The descriptions are so vivid that you can almost feel the heat of the sun on your skin and smell the salty air of the ocean.

It's a journey that takes you through the lives of the characters, their joys, and their sorrows.

Despite the challenges they face, there is a sense of hope and beauty that shines through.

This book truly captures the magic of summer and the power of a great story.

I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read.
July 15,2025
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Love knows no holidays.

Love you have to experience until the end, together with boredom and everything else, and here sacrifice does not come into consideration.♡♡♡

Love is a continuous journey that doesn't pause for special occasions. It requires us to embrace all aspects, including the mundane and the challenging. We should not think about sacrificing for the sake of love, but rather focus on living it fully and authentically. Whether it's a sunny day or a rainy one, love should remain constant and unwavering. It's about being there for each other through thick and thin, sharing both the joys and the sorrows. Only by doing so can we truly understand the essence of love and build a lasting relationship.
July 15,2025
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I think it has been the translation? It has cost me a lot to finish it. It has good reflections but it is by no means the best book of Duras, not by a long shot.

This statement seems to express a certain level of dissatisfaction or reservation about a particular translation of a book by Duras. While acknowledging that there are good aspects or reflections within the work, the author clearly believes that it falls short of being the best among Duras' oeuvre.

It could be that the translation did not fully capture the essence, style, or nuances of the original text, or perhaps the expectations were simply very high.

However, it's important to note that the assessment of a book's quality can be subjective, and different readers may have different opinions based on their own perspectives and experiences.

Despite the criticism, it's possible that the book still has value and can offer insights and enjoyment to some readers.

Maybe a more in-depth analysis or a comparison with other translations or works by Duras could provide a more comprehensive understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.

In conclusion, while this particular translation may not have met the author's high standards, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's a bad book. It's just a matter of personal preference and evaluation.
July 15,2025
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The short novel seems to be tailor-made for a hot summer, for long days at the beach, and for people who want to look into the abysses of relationship boredom.

Duras has depicted a summer vacation of various people south of Naples in her inimitable style, questioning their love lives. An electrified atmosphere arises among the characters, and the moody storm is eager to unleash itself.

The novel is set shortly after World War II but feels timeless. The heat and the hot breath of the protagonists that smells of Campari (Campari bitter is constantly drunk in the book) are truly palpable for the reader.

It is a captivating work that draws the reader into a world of complex emotions and relationships, making them experience the intensity and turmoil along with the characters.

The vivid descriptions and the unique narrative style of Duras make this novel a must-read for those who appreciate literary works that explore the depths of human nature and the intricacies of love and longing.

Whether you are spending a lazy day at the beach or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, this short novel is sure to satisfy your literary cravings.
July 15,2025
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It wasn't an easy book. I almost gave up.

However, I'm glad I persevered and continued reading.

The story is set during a vacation in Italy. The weather is hot, unbearably so. There is the grief of a dead son hanging over everything. The heat is just awful, and everyone is waiting for the rain to come. But more heat persists. There is nothing much to do except talk and drink. Love affairs blossom and with them come varying moods and emotions. There are choices to be made.

Boredom sets in, again and again. But then, love appears, sometimes suddenly. It's a cycle of boredom and love.

As he said, "There are no vacations in love, it doesn't exist. Love, one must live it completely with its boredom and everything, there are no possible vacations from that... And that's what love is. One cannot escape it. Just like with life, with its beauty, its crap, and its boredom."

This book truly captures the complex and often chaotic nature of human experiences, both during a vacation and in the realm of love.
July 15,2025
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This is one of the first books that made me want to read.

The unexpected tension among the four couples of characters during their vacation in Italy is remarkable.

The so-called vacation freedom turns out to be just an excuse to escape from the human relationships in the emotional life of a group, revolving around the emblematic Campari in Duras' works and the spaghetti with clams.

The story unfolds in a captivating way, revealing the complex emotions and hidden desires of each character.

The descriptions of the Italian setting add a touch of authenticity and charm to the narrative.

It makes the reader feel as if they are right there, experiencing the joys and sorrows of the characters along with them.

This book is truly a masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression on the reader's mind.
July 15,2025
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Muy chulito, la verdad. Lo he leído encima en verano y en Italia, así que todo ha sido maravilloso. Gracias, Raki. Te amo.❤️


It is really very cool. I read it above in summer and in Italy, so everything has been wonderful. Thank you, Raki. I love you.❤️


This simple expression of gratitude and love shows the special connection between the writer and Raki. The mention of reading in summer and in Italy adds a touch of charm and romance to the story. It makes one wonder what kind of book or experience it was that led to such a wonderful feeling. Maybe it was a beautiful novel that transported the writer to another world, or a travelogue that inspired a sense of adventure. Whatever it was, it clearly had a profound impact on the writer, who couldn't help but express their appreciation and affection for Raki.

July 15,2025
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I have read and truly relished several books penned by Marguerite Duras. Among them, "Moderator Cantabile" holds a special place in my heart. However, this particular work left me feeling rather disappointed.

It was one of those swelteringly hot summers when these couples decided to embark on a vacation to Italy. The intense heat was grating on their nerves, and boredom seemed to seep into every moment of their stay.

Then, out of the blue, a stranger arrived on a charming boat. But alas, the story that unfolded was far from captivating. The dialogues were lackluster and failed to engage my interest. The characters were constantly at odds, yet the author never bothered to揭示 the inner dynamics between them. The nanny, in particular, was the most irritating and obnoxious character one could imagine.

Thankfully, there were a few redeeming lines here and there that provided a glimmer of hope. But that was about all the book had to offer.

Oh, and to add insult to injury, I just discovered that Duras had made a rather glaring error. In the Tarquinia necropolis, there are no horses on the frescoes as she had described. Instead, they are small statues located somewhere else in Italy! This oversight further detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book.
July 15,2025
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In Italy, during the summer, the heat is intense. There are bitter camparis and pasta with clams. There is a miner, in mourning, and there is maternity, fidelity, and finally, love. This is the erotism of Duras that oozes everywhere. It is this complex relationship between the mother and the child, and it is always the action that hides in the background and that one perceives through all these emotions. Love, always love.


The Italian summer setting provides a vivid backdrop for the exploration of various themes. The bitterness of the campari perhaps reflects the bittersweet nature of life and love. The pasta with clams is a simple yet delicious indulgence, adding a touch of sensuality to the scene. The miner, in mourning, represents loss and grief, which are integral parts of the human experience. Maternity and fidelity are two powerful concepts that are intertwined with love. Maternity brings forth new life and a sense of responsibility, while fidelity is the foundation of a committed relationship.


Finally, love is the central theme that ties everything together. It is the force that drives the characters, the emotion that they all seek and struggle with. Duras's writing is known for its eroticism, which is not just about physical desire but also about the deeper emotions and connections that lie beneath the surface. In this passage, we can sense the eroticism in the descriptions of the setting, the characters, and their relationships. It is a complex and multifaceted exploration of love and life that leaves the reader with a sense of wonder and longing.

July 15,2025
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**Original Article**: The importance of exercise cannot be overemphasized. It helps keep our bodies healthy and strong. Regular exercise can improve our cardiovascular system, boost our immune system, and enhance our mental well-being.

**Expanded Article**:

The significance of exercise simply cannot be emphasized enough.

Exercise is truly a remarkable gift that nature has bestowed upon us. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and strength of our bodies.

When we engage in regular exercise, it has a profound impact on our cardiovascular system. It makes our heart pump blood more efficiently, reducing the risk of heart diseases.

Moreover, it also gives a significant boost to our immune system, enabling our bodies to better fight off various infections and diseases.

Not only does exercise have physical benefits, but it also has a profound impact on our mental well-being. It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and gives us a sense of calm and relaxation.

In conclusion, we should all make exercise an integral part of our daily lives to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life. 3,5⭐
July 15,2025
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Trop hétérosexuel. This term might seem a bit unfamiliar to some. It refers to being overly heterosexual or having an excessive focus on heterosexuality. In our society, there is often a dominant narrative that promotes heterosexuality as the norm. However, it is important to recognize that there is a wide spectrum of sexual orientations and identities.

Just because someone is heterosexual doesn't mean they should be pigeonholed or made to feel that their orientation is the only valid one. We should strive for a more inclusive and accepting environment where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, can be themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination.

By challenging the idea of "trop hétérosexuel" and opening our minds to the diversity of human experiences, we can build a more harmonious and understanding world. Let's celebrate the differences that make us unique and work towards a future where love and acceptance prevail over narrow definitions and limitations.
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