Sodom and Gomorrah: In Search of Lost Time, Volume 4 (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)

Five stars for overall content; “In Search of Lost Time” is a masterpiece.However, I wanted to point out for those it may concern that while the paperback being sold under this listing is a newer translation by John Sturrock, the audiobook is a (superb) reading by Neville Jason of the original C.K. Scott Moncrieff translation.I have been reading this translation (Sturrock), alongside listening to the older translation, and at times the differences are surprisingly far from subtle. It is of course a matter of personal preference, but I thoroughly prefer the Moncrieff translation. It seems to me somehow to flow better and be easier to follow. I feel the same for “The Guermantes Way”, where I also supplemented my Penguin classics translation (by Mark Trecharne) with the audiobook (C.K. Scott Moncrieff). I cannot comment critically on Volumes 1 & 2 in the same comparative way. I read the newer Penguin translations (by Lydia Davis & James Grieve) with great enjoyment and ease.A general thing I’d recommend for anyone looking to tackle Proust (whichever book translation you choose) is that you supplement with this audiobook series. It might not be the cheapest way to go about Proust, but it’s worth it. Beside just being a great reading and high quality audiobook in it’s own right, it has proved an invaluable tool in navigating the oceanic scale of Proust’s work. Having the audiobook to fall back on helps to occasionally give my eyes and mind a bit of break in order to continue pressing on with this awesome narrative switching things up and listening to the spoken word. And of course, when I get tired of that, I switch back to the books. This is somewhat unusual for me, as I am a diehard reader, but it’s really proving enjoyable thus far. For doing this I would recommend purchasing this audiobook set alongside the printed Moncrieff translations (just makes more sense given they are identical), but any book translation will do.So, to conclude, I’ll say this: People give all sorts of tips to those about to dive into Proust, or for those currently engaged in reading him for the first time. Mine is as I’ve stated - have the physical, printed books, as well as an audiobook to alternate between. And don’t worry about memorizing and learning all the names of all the society people as soon as they pop up! Take note as best you can and press on. Proust has a way of helping you remember the ones that ”really count” later on.So...happy reading/listening! May Proust find you, and you him.

Proust's In Search of Lost Time is of course one of the major literary works of Western civilization. And like most such books it is generally considered a pretty ambitious read.It turns out that a fair amount of that is because the original translation is by a Brit from the 20's and reflects both the prim sensibilities and the vernacular of that time.This edition is the first completely new translation since then, and it shows. Proust still writes in sentences that are sometimes 1/2 page long, and paragraphs that are up to 3-4 pages. So yes, you have to get used to his expression.But - it is delightful writing.It is extraordinarily evocative - that is, you find yourself having an experience rather than parsing words.It is sometimes very amusing.This particular volume is an amazing portrait of what it was to be homosexual in early 20th century France.If you're trying to decide which translation to use, I heartily endorse this one.

Sturrock justifies the editor's (Prendergast's) decision to include him in his lineup of translators. The English (as is the case with the preceding Penguin volumes of In Search of Lost Time) feels fresh, contemporary, and natural, never stilted or forced. Idioms and puns are almost always rendered as well in the English as they must be in the French. Even if you have read the Moncrieff translation, Sturrock and his fellow translators make a return to Proust worthwhile. After the cliffhanger at the end of The Guermantes Way, I couldn't wait to get to Sodom and Gomorrah. Proust and Sturrock deliver an always engaging follow-up.(A quick note on the book's physical character: I love how Penguin has handled these softcover editions. They are just big enough that the print can be of a legible size. They're a pleasure to hold for long spells of reading. And they're sturdily-enough constructed that the spine need not crease.)

You've already read the first three volumes of this wonderful and challenging masterwork, might as well order the next one. If you have not read the first three you are not going to know what the hell is going on !

Marcel discovers inversion!

Rare for audio books, I can say categorically that I enjoy listening to this book better than reading it myself. I read the first three volumes of this series ("In Search of Lost Time", also called "Remembrance of Things Past") and found it tough going. Neville Jason transmits Proust's complex sentence structure with seeming effortlessness. He does a good job of changing voices in a way that brings out the personality of characters in the novel, especially for male characters.Proust's "In Search of Lost Time" is a rewarding series for those who stick with it. (My book club is taking 2-3 years reading all 7 volumes.) Proust is like a neuroscientist, getting inside the head of his characters, especially the narrator, who resembles Marcel Proust himself. If you're looking for an action-filled page-turner, this book is not for you (even in audio form), but if you are looking for a thoughtful book with an interesting take on human nature, Proust has something significant to offer. Remember, this is volume 4. Reading or listening to the previous three volumes is a must before starting this one.

I was reading, "In search of Lost Time," one volume at a time, and the first three editions were bound with a heavy cover and were black with white and gold lettering. The fourth volume came with a somewhat less substantial binding, it was a maroon color with white and green lettering. I was hoping to read the entire series and save them in a display cabinet. I'm not sure if I ordered something from a different series, or if this is what was intended by the publisher, or what. Any information anyone could provide would be helpful. Thanks, Bob