Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #49892 in Books
• Published on: 1991-02-01
• Original language: French
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 112 pages

Synopsis
Tells the story of Candide, a naive youth, who is conscripted, shipwrecked, robbed, and tortured by the Inquisition without losing his will to live.

Customer Reviews

The best ever
Some satires since this could be said to be better but taking this book in perspective of when it was written and the political, scientific and religious developments, it has to be seen as one of, if not the, most original. The book applies to modern times as much as its own and is my favourite read - just as it was Frederick the Great's, King of Prussia, who said that it was the only book he knew that one could read and re-read and never become bored of it. Buy this book and enjoy the sharp wit of Voltaire, a man whose writings make modern day satrical philosophers look as sharp as a wooden spoon.

A farcical romp
I sometimes approach old literary classics with a degree of trepidation fearing the language may be impenetrable. Not so here, this thin book is a fast and easy read. Candide travels Europe and South America with his philosopher companions whose simplified views of the world are put to the test as they farcically lurch from one misfortune to another. The story is littered with devastating wit and satirical observations of his fellow Europeans. Candide's determination to be reunited with his long lost love continues to move him on even during a rare peaceful sojourn in "Eldorado", but when he finally reaches his goal it is not as expected although there is a hilarious compensation. No doubt there are many clever political references and riskee comments relevant to the times (Voltaire spent time in jail for his outspoken views) but the overall moral of this fable reminds me most of Coelho's "The Alchemist".