Novel, 1957

Slim novel covering the lives of various bored Parisians drifting in and out of relationships with each other. The number of characters and the various lapses and involvements makes this a slightly tricky book to really pin down and get a proper feel for. As a result, it as if we, the readers, are all part of some vague, voyeuristic and removed world, so it’s quite apt that some of the main characters in the book are involved with the theatre. Actions seem far more important than emotions, though an air of gloom seems to enshroud the book. Some of the characters seem pragmatic, though even those who appear happier appear on the brink of gloominess, and feel as if they’re on their way to being damned. A detached read.