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21 Days of a Neurasthenic (1901)

by Octave Mirbeau

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512500,534 (3.93)2
Octave Mirbeau, author of The Torture Garden and Diary of a Chambermaid, wrote this scathing novel on the cusp of the twentieth century. Driven mad by modern life, Georges Vasseur leaves for a rest cure, where he encounters corrupt politicians, amnesiac coquettes, cheerfully sadistic killers, imperialist generals, and quack psychiatrists. Hypocrites are eternal, and not much has changed since Mirbeau wrote this acid portrait of his era.… (more)
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Octave Mirbeau is very similar to Jonathan Swift. If you like one, you'll probably enjoy the other.
The scathing satire in this book isn't for everyone, but it is certainly entertaining. The only problem I found with this so-called novel is the construction. Think of it as a series of vignettes and stories concocted with very clear lampooning in mind, and cobbled into a scenario as thin as they come.

I was reminded of Magic Mountain - guy at a sanatorium, observing people. But the characters you meet in this book are beyond outrageous. They betray their fascinations and obsessions in every sentence. Woven into the fabric of the narrative is a bold lack of shame. Mirbeau relishes his wit. I found the use of ellipses distracting. Like Celine, they were an integral part of every sentence. Instead of analyzing their significance, I tended to ignore them.

As an experiment, I would call this book wildly successful. As a novel, I'd label it eccentric, an anti-novel. Mirbeau is a caricature artist at bottom. Torture Garden was more enjoyable, in my opinion because I have a soft spot for voyages. The connective tissue was more immersive, and the satire less blatant. But this is still a must-read for appreciators of Zola, Celine, Swift, and the like. ( )
  LSPopovich | Apr 8, 2020 |
Please read my review at the New York Journal of Books:

http://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book-review/twenty-one ( )
2 vote kswolff | Jul 15, 2015 |
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Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Octave Mirbeauprimary authorall editionscalculated
Ros, MartinTranslatorsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
Ros, MartinAfterwordsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed

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Octave Mirbeau, author of The Torture Garden and Diary of a Chambermaid, wrote this scathing novel on the cusp of the twentieth century. Driven mad by modern life, Georges Vasseur leaves for a rest cure, where he encounters corrupt politicians, amnesiac coquettes, cheerfully sadistic killers, imperialist generals, and quack psychiatrists. Hypocrites are eternal, and not much has changed since Mirbeau wrote this acid portrait of his era.

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