SARTRE, Jean-Paul - The Age of Reason - (Paperback)

Book still in a good used condition - This novel is the first book of Sartre's "Roads to Freedom" trilogy: "The Age of Reason"; "The Reprieve", and "Troubled Sleep". The trilogy is over-simply described as an historical fiction occurring among the events leading to, and including, France's experience of World War II.   >>>  This is basically a soap opera with brains and direction, which is my favorite kind of book ever. The character development is EXTRAORDINARY. I recommend this book on that facet alone. I didn't read this as an exemplification of Sartre's philosophy, but rather as a study of the philosophy of the characters in the story. None of these people are truly likable, but they are all the more human because of that. Even the most agreeable people think disagreeable thoughts. This is something most of us realize, at least on some level, but I don't think I've ever seen it rendered so well in fiction. I am pretty much still sitting here in awe at the complexity of Sartre's understanding of human motivation. I could also relate to Mathieu, sort of how I identified somewhat with Hamlet. Yes, he is a bit of a Hamlet-- actually, he's Hamlet in the extreme. It's unfortunate for him, but fortunate for the sake of the story.   (Goodreads)

*N.B.*  If you buy more than one book from me you only pay R 6 postage on each additional book – see what else I have to offer, it might be worth your while.