I chose an inopportune moment to read Ionesco’s novel, ‘The Hermit’ (‘Le Solitaire’). It was during the US Presidential election of 2020, when political upheaval and violence were rife, not just in the airwaves and on the streets, but also palpable to some extent (even as I write this). The anger and division among Americans and anti-Americans were, and still are, quite intense, especially in the cities.

Despite the unease I felt while reading ‘The Hermit’, I truly relished the story, its fundamental premise, the supporting characters that Ionesco used sparingly yet effectively, and, of course, its hapless protagonist. For those who found the book “a downer, depressing”, I might suggest ‘Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm’ instead.

In fact, shortly after reading ‘The Hermit’, I delved into Roland Topor’s tour-de-force, ‘The Tenant’. This novel served as the basis for Roman Polanski’s dark and peculiarly captivating film. Under his direction and with the subdued acting, it became a cult film almost upon its release, and deservedly so. As for those faint-hearted individuals who thought ‘The Hermit’ was dreary and depressing, I would strongly caution them against reading Topor’s ‘Tenant’ or viewing Mr. Polanski’s psychological masterpiece of the macabre, for fear that they might be driven to desperate measures.

Let’s be efficient and address two things at once, shall we? If you enjoy exploring the minds of characters who experience paranoia for good (or perhaps bad?) reasons, and if you appreciate stories that are both psychologically disturbing and darkly amusing, I wholeheartedly recommend reading both novels. To conclude, depending on your mental state, these works will either push you away early or grip your interest and not let go until you are satisfied.

There's a calm sadness and a distinct humor within the insanity of Ionesco's plays that is truly one-of-a-kind and can't be replicated elsewhere. However, in this, his only novel, it seems to be a bit burdened by all the excessive pages. By the end, it gives the impression of Ionesco emulating Camus, which is okay, I suppose, but it's not the aspect that I truly love about him.

Still, there are plenty of great passages within the novel.

One such passage that really stands out is this: "That strikes me as one of the fundamental acts of cruelty on the part of the divinity: each person is simultaneously unique and everyone; each person is universal. It would have been so much easier to distribute all the anxiety, despair, and panic equally among the billions of creatures on the face of the earth. In that case, our portion of anxiety would only be one three billionth of the total amount of universal suffering. But no, in dying each of us bears with him the entire crumbling universe." This passage beautifully captures the complex and often tragic nature of the human condition, adding depth and poignancy to the overall work.

Despite its flaws, Ionesco's novel still offers valuable insights and moments of literary brilliance that are worth exploring.

Attracted by the resonance of the Franco-Romanian playwright's name and by the undeniable success of his theater plays, I flipped through the pages of this work in the blink of an eye.
Ionesco has constructed a rather mediocre character, emerging from the ordinary - the hero stands out in no field, but is characterized by his solitude. Fortunate due to an unexpected inheritance, he retires at the age of 35 and allows himself to be plunged into metaphysical anguish. The reflections sparkle with absurdism, but in contrast to Camus' works, they lack the sublime and resemble the thought process of an adolescent troubled by the new philosophical discoveries he has just made in his readings.
Nevertheless, the narrative tempo is revitalized towards the end of the novel, with the emergence of the reactionaries and the civil war. The effervescence and the absurdity of this reality are doubtless specific to Ionesco's writing and cannot be reproduced. As the outside becomes increasingly violent and dynamic, the protagonist's universe shrinks (he locks himself in his bedroom) and he ultimately is hit by this historical dimension in the most direct way - he receives a punch in the modest restaurant where he regularly has lunch.
Once the external agitation and tension have passed, the character-narrator realizes that he has aged and that he was passive in all the events of his life, and finally, that by being so preoccupied with seizing the absolute in a noetic dimension, he has missed his immediate reality. In the end, he loses his life in his bed, while gaining the sense of existence that continues; perhaps, in other dimensions, as he admits in the last line of the novel, "I took that for a sign."
So, would we also be condemned to such a destiny if we had the time and the ease required, and, above all, would this be desirable or are happiness and the very meaning of life already found in the daily routine?

It could have been a truly captivating Bernhard story if only the main character had possessed more depth and intrigue.

I have always had a penchant for those strange and solitary types of characters, but alas, the hero in this particular narrative was disappointingly basic.

The first half of the story, in which he made attempts at philosophizing (one can only hope that the superficiality was a deliberate artistic choice), was marginally better.

However, as the story progressed towards the end, a rather lackluster revolution took place that failed to offer much in the way of excitement or meaningful development.

Generally speaking, not a great deal actually happened throughout the course of the story, which in itself is not necessarily a dealbreaker for me.

But if you're seeking a more engaging and thought-provoking literary experience, it might be advisable to simply read Bernhard instead.

Buenas tardes, ¿cómo luce su día viernes?

The "The Solitary" by the Romanian playwright and novelist Eugène Ionesco is his unique published novel that talks about being, its solitude, and the environment.

To my taste, it has something of nihilism and pessimism... perhaps, even realism and existentialism. We have a solitary protagonist, a hermit, alien to this world. He received an inheritance that allows him to renounce his job that bothered him so much and live life. Is that correct?

Living life in this case is simply and plainly going to the movies from time to time, being calm, not thinking anymore about the money.

Later on, we have a social outburst that goes against the bourgeoisie and seeks equity for all (although it doesn't directly say which episode of history it refers to, we can observe that it refers to the events of 1968 in Paris, France, and in other parts of the world).

So, what does it mean to exist? What purpose do we have? Where do we want to go? If we manage to be opulent, what would follow? Many questions arose in me. I had already read this novel, but reading it again was the best experience in the world for me.

I recommend reading it at this precise moment or whenever you can review it. I wish you great success and that you always enjoy good health, please.

Bae's only novel, "Enormous Mood," is a captivating work that delves deep into the human psyche.

The story unfolds with a unique charm, drawing readers in from the very beginning.

It explores the complex emotions and experiences of the characters, painting a vivid picture of their lives.

The author's writing style is engaging and descriptive, allowing the readers to fully immerse themselves in the world of the novel.

"Enormous Mood" is not just a story, but a journey of self-discovery and understanding.

It makes the readers reflect on their own emotions and how they handle them in different situations.

The novel also touches on themes such as love, loss, and growth, making it a relatable and thought-provoking read.

Overall, Bae's "Enormous Mood" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good novel that explores the depths of human emotions.

It began as a rather pleasant book, delving into the plagues of contemporary society.

It explored aspects like work that fails to bring satisfaction and the feeling of solitude that many people experience.

However, as the story progressed, it took an unexpected turn and ended up being a book about psychotics.

The author seemed to have shifted the focus from the more common social issues to the complex and often disturbing world of the mentally ill.

This transformation added an element of mystery and intrigue to the book, making it a much more engaging read than it initially appeared to be.

Readers who were expecting a more straightforward exploration of modern society's problems were instead treated to a fascinating journey into the minds of those with psychological disorders.

Overall, the book's evolution from a study of social ills to a portrayal of psychotics made it a unique and thought-provoking piece of literature.

There are inquiries related to existentialism, but I don't even know if this is a novel.

Existentialism is a philosophical concept that delves into the meaning and purpose of human existence. People often have questions about how to find meaning in a seemingly chaotic and uncertain world.

However, when it comes to the statement "I don't even know if this is a novel," it adds an element of mystery and uncertainty. It could imply that there is some confusion or lack of clarity regarding the nature of the work in question.

Maybe it blurs the boundaries between different literary forms or challenges the traditional definitions of a novel. Or perhaps it is a work that explores existential themes in a unique and unconventional way.

Without further context, it is difficult to determine exactly what is meant by this statement. But it does raise interesting questions about the relationship between existentialism and literature, and how different works can engage with these profound and thought-provoking ideas.

The best surreal book I've read is truly a remarkable piece of literature.

It takes the reader on a journey through a world that defies logic and常理. The author's vivid imagination is on full display, creating a landscape filled with strange and wonderful creatures, and events that seem to come from the deepest recesses of the subconscious.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader constantly engaged, never quite sure what will happen next. The use of symbolism and隐喻 adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative, making it a book that can be read and re-read, each time revealing new meanings and interpretations.

Overall, this surreal book is a must-read for anyone who loves to explore the boundaries of the imagination and experience something truly unique. It is a work of art that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page.

Hayir.

Hayir is a word that holds significance in different languages and cultures. It can mean "no" or "not" in some Turkic languages.

The word hayir can be used in various contexts. For example, when someone is asked a question and they want to give a negative response, they might say hayir. It can also be used to express disagreement or refusal.

In addition to its basic meaning, hayir can carry different nuances depending on the tone and context in which it is used. It can be said firmly to convey a strong negative stance, or it can be said more softly to show a polite refusal.

Overall, hayir is a simple yet important word that plays a role in communication and expressing negative ideas or responses. Understanding its meaning and usage can help in better communication with people who speak languages where hayir is used.

It is clear that one must have time to read and read carefully. However, people in general do not read. Work, a thousand distractions, and who is responsible for one's own composition?

Something is lacking, something is not present. What is lacking? What was lacking? If only everything was known. Ah, this is what is always lacking: knowledge. Knowledge of everything. I was smart, but not so much that I could not feel my ignorance.

The first part of this story tells us about an average-class person who is constantly striving at work, where nothing is made valuable. And the second part concerns the same character who has unfortunately become addicted, spending time and money in a bar and having no satisfactory experience left in life that he can remember. Interestingly, his alter ego, so to speak, a different voice or perhaps an inner urge, constantly pushes him to do nothing and suffers because of it. He has interesting, so to speak, philosophical thoughts with which he can perhaps figure out the main character, understand him, find out the reason for his understanding and take his side. I know that I know nothing.

"Singuraticul" is the only novel written by Eugène Ionesco. In this work, the renowned Romanian-born playwright packages the theme of human loneliness in a gentle yet, to the same extent, realistic way.

The action takes place in Paris. A middle-aged clerk inherits a small fortune from an uncle in America. He resigns from his dull office job, moves into a cozy apartment, and even seems to give a new chance to love. However, this does not change the trajectory of his thoughts, which always lead him towards death and profound loneliness.

I have written more about this reading in an article published on my blog, along with several representative quotes.

"If you write about boredom, it means you are not bored. Boredom paralyzes, or makes you undertake only destructive actions, or brings you into a state close to death."

For more details, please visit https://ciobanuldeazi.home.blog/2024/...