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Cover of Swann's Way
Literary Fiction· France

Swann's Way

by Marcel Proust
Aggregate Editorial Score38/100
Times Literary Supplement
Published 1913440 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

When Marcel Proust published Swann's Way in 1913, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of literary fiction. The first volume of In Search of Lost Time establishes the novel's themes through the famous involuntary memory triggered by a madeleine, and the long 'Swann in Love' episode. Proust's intricate sentences opened a new continent of fictional possibility. Themes of memory, desire, society run through the work. The book has received recognition from Times Literary Supplement 1913.

Book Details

AuthorMarcel Proust
Published1913
Country of Origin🇫🇷 France
LanguageEnglish
Pages440
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780300178333
Editorial Score38/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇫🇷 France

This book is part of France's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from France →

Editorial Assessment

Swann's Way by Marcel Proust sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1913 in France, it engages with memory, desire, society, art in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: Times Literary Supplement 1913. Its aggregate editorial score of 38/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. What distinguishes Swann's Way is how it handles its central concerns — memory, desire, society, art — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Marcel Proust's role in the literature of France is well established. Swann's Way can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Times Literary Supplement
list · global
191312
✍️
About the Author
Marcel Proust
France
View Author →

Marcel Proust is a celebrated author from France known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Swann's Way about?

The first volume of In Search of Lost Time establishes the novel's themes through the famous involuntary memory triggered by a madeleine, and the long 'Swann in Love' episode. Proust's intricate sentences opened a new continent of fictional possibility.

Who wrote Swann's Way?

Swann's Way was written by Marcel Proust, from France. First published in 1913.

What awards has Swann's Way won?

Swann's Way has received the following awards and honours: Times Literary Supplement 1913.

Is Swann's Way worth reading?

Swann's Way is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 12/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in memory, desire, society.

Where can I buy Swann's Way?

You can buy Swann's Way on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Swann's Way?

Swann's Way is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Swann's Way from?

Swann's Way originates from France's literary tradition. Explore more books from France on our country page.

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