Episode 5: The Verdurin Salon

In this new episode, our gentle walk through the text of Marcel Proust’s classic novel In Search of Lost Time sees us leave Combray behind and enter Paris, and the Verdurin salon. Here, we’ll meet the regulars, the ‘little clan’, and learn about the love affair between Charles Swann and Odette. We’ll also hear the Vinteuil Sonata.

Here, then, our slow reading journey brings us to the section entitled ‘Swann in Love’ or ‘Un Amour de Swann’, which will now occupy us for several episodes, and which forms such an important part overall in Proust’s work.

So, let’s make our way through the crowded Parisian streets and arrive in time for dinner as we take the next leg of walk along the Proustian Paths through this masterpiece of French literature.

This episode will provide you with:

* a 'map' of the opening passages of ‘Swann in Love’.

* a discussion of the important ideas or 'landmarks' Proust himself places in the passage.

* an opportunity to take in the literary-critical view.

The perfect introduction to Marcel Proust's work for new readers and a way for dedicated Proustians to get a new view on the book they love - A la recherche du temps perdu.