I am well into the portion of the story dealing with Swann’s antics in society and his love for Odette. I think that this portion takes place before the narrative of the first part, but it is also curious that Combray and its narrator are brought up only 2 times that I have found specifically. On page 201, the narrator confirms my suspicions by saying that the narrative being presented was happening at the time of his (the combray narrator’s) birth. Another time Francoise and an episode of hers with the chickens is mentioned. Other than that, the narrator seems omniscient and separated from the former narrator. Parts of Swann’s story are humorous and parts are of that annoying jealousy motif that run throughout 19th century novels dealing with society characters. I am getting my momentum going and am reporting pleasant progress.
In other news, I have decided to start Dara Horn’s The World to Come and will give you my impression when I am done. So far, very cool.
