The Red and the Black: Book 1

Starting off the thread for The Red and the Black by Stendhal, book 1.

I started this book two nights ago. This is the first I read of Stendhal. The reason I kept nominating this book is that ever since I can remember my mother and grandmother have been swooning over this book. "Oh it's superb! It's magnificent! Why haven't you read this yet?" Plus, this book is the reason my brother has his name, Julien.

So, I thought I would finally delve into this book and see where my brother's name comes from. I trust my mother and grandmother's tastes tremendously (we all read the same kind of books mostly) so I'm quite certain I will enjoy this one.

Being French, I am of course reading this in the original French (Le Rouge et le Noir). I can be a slow reader though, as I'm super busy, so I might not get through this as quickly unless I find a good reading groove.

It took me a while to get started (mostly b/c I jumped right in and failed to notice that my very used copy was missing the first 7 pages. So, I was lost for a bit.) I am enjoying it though I need to do some research on all the titles and their significances. I thought I'd be able to gloss over it but it becomes pretty relevant (I'm at p. 150).

I can see why this used to be read in high school-- the innocence and cluelessness of young love is pretty funny.

Since editions are all different, what chapter did you noticed this emphasis on titles? As I was reading I was recalling your statement but couldn't see anything that truly stood out.

I have just reached chapter 22. Just realizing I only have 8 more chapters until I can start book 2. So quick.

I'm actually surprised at Stendhal's simple style. It reads so much like a Dumas while I was expecting more of Hugo's style. Don't quite know why. For some reason Stendhal has quite a strange reputation so I guess I just assumed people didn't like his books due to some pretentiousness of some sort. But that is not present in the books at all.

So easy to read!

For all of you reading this book in translation, how do you think the translation is doing? Considering Stendhal's fame I would think the translation has been treated well. Thoughts?

>4 lilisin: Towards the end of Book 1 religious titles become more important to the plot. I found I could read through it and eventually picked up the significance without having to go do any research. So far anyway....

>5 lilisin: I'm reading Henri Peyre's translation. It's easy to read.

I'm still waiting for my book to arrive(so sad). I purchased the Penguin Classics version translated by Roger Gard, I was surprised by the number of English translations done.
I am just finishing up The Women's War by Dumas and I am expecting Stendhal to be very different. Hope my book comes soon so I can join you.

I've finished book 1 and found it pretty slow going. So far, this story has not really pulled me in. It's well written, but I am just having trouble getting excited about this book. I guess it's just me.

>8 george1295:: I wouldn't say I find it slow going, but I know what you mean about not being pulled in. I find it clever, even brilliant at times and admire Stendhal's skill. But, I think the light tone of the story makes it difficult to take the characters and their concerns seriously. They seem almost comic. So, while I like the book, I am not eagerly turning pages to find out what happens next. I don't care that much what happens.

Interestingly enough my mom said she reread it recently and it was a bit slow going. Still well written but slow. I'm about to move so I haven't been reading but it is still easy to read although not as page turning as Dumas.

After moving and traveling more and just trying to get settled I haven't been reading at all. So I just now finished part 1. The last 100 pages have been difficult to read in that it's just not keeping my attention.

Did you guys understand the whole seminary hierarchy thing that was going on? My mind is so out of this book that it's hard to remember what went on in the preceding page. Can't put it together right now.

Thoughts?

>11 lilisin:: I did not ever totally grasp the hierarchy. I just went with it and the parts that were critical become clear over time.