Jusqu'à la fin du monde by Adolphe Retté
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First published in 1898, Adolphe Retté's 'Jusqu'à la fin du monde' is a novel that captures a very specific kind of modern exhaustion, even though it's over a century old.
The Story
The plot is deceptively simple. Laurent, a young man in Paris, feels completely trapped by city life. The noise, the social expectations, the sheer weight of it all becomes too much. On an impulse, he decides to leave. He doesn't take a train or plan a trip. He just starts walking, heading vaguely south with little more than the clothes on his back. The book follows his physical journey through the French countryside, but more importantly, it charts his internal journey as he grapples with solitude, memory, and the big question: what is he actually looking for?
Why You Should Read It
What struck me was how personal this feels. Retté writes Laurent's thoughts with a raw honesty that avoids being overly dramatic. It's less about grand adventures on the road and more about the quiet moments of doubt and clarity that come with being alone. You feel the relief of the open sky and the creeping fear of isolation in equal measure. The book is a slow burn, asking you to walk alongside Laurent and sit with his questions, which often mirror our own about purpose and escape.
Final Verdict
This isn't a book for someone craving a fast-paced plot. It's perfect for readers who love character studies and atmospheric writing. If you've ever felt the urge to just disappear for a while, or if you enjoy thoughtful, melancholic stories about self-discovery, Laurent's walk to the 'end of the world' will feel strangely familiar. It's a hidden gem from the Symbolist era that speaks quietly but powerfully to the wanderer in all of us.
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Amanda Hernandez
4 months agoFast paced, good book.
Jackson Young
6 months agoThanks for the recommendation.
Margaret Hernandez
1 year agoSolid story.
Joseph Nguyen
8 months agoHigh quality edition, very readable.
Charles Garcia
10 months agoSurprisingly enough, the atmosphere created is totally immersive. I couldn't put it down.