Book review: The man in a hurry, Paul Morand

 
Book review: <i>The man in a hurry</i>, Paul Morand

The man in a hurry
Paul Morand, Pushkin Press, £15

This re-released masterpiece by one of the modern maîtres of French prose is a fable which criticises life lived in a hurry. The author – a controversial, cult figure renowned for his short temper and impatience – self-critiques in this irony-filled, autobiographical tale of an antiques dealer who lives in fast-forward, surrounded by others seemingly in slow motion. But when he falls in love with unpunctual Hedwige, our hero learns to slow down and sees that as he races through life, it’s passing him by.

The book was first published in 1941 and its poetic prose has the gravitas of a classic. Yet the characters and the moral of the story seem more applicable today than ever before. ★★★★

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With a BA in French and History of Art from the University of Bristol, Florence spent a year living in Paris, studying Art History at the Sorbonne and working in publishing. She travels regularly back to France for both work and pleasure. Florence's passion for France revolves around its gastronomy, art and pleasure-seeking lifestyle, and the rebellious streak found only in a nation constantly looking for an excuse to go on strike!

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