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A review by versmonesprit
The End by Samuel Beckett
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’m dumbfounded by the poor reviews, because this tiny selection of two stories was one of the most beautiful prose I’ve ever read.
Much like listening to Pink Floyd, where it’s not just music but an experience, The End and The Calmative were not merely stories to be read, but to be experienced. This is arguably my favourite sort of literature — when it’s almost like a transcendental journey.
Beckett’s absurdism differs from that of Camus, with whom the philosophy seems to have come to be identified. This uniqueness is perhaps what places these bleak, emotionally heavy stories on a special pedestal.
I did enjoy The End more than The Calmative. Both of these stories were originally written in French, and then translated by Beckett himself. Thanks to the author’s involvement, they feel authentic in English too, but I can’t help thinking The Calmative would be an even better experience in its original French — there must have been an even better rhythm to the sentences! There is indeed dark humour to it. This second story is also far more surreal than the first. The long sentences, when combined with the quickly changing scenery, create a feverish feeling. At times I too did not really understand what was going on, but nonetheless, it was a solid experience . . . and perhaps that experience is the very meaning.
The End had more depth, with its themes of alienation and depression. It thus allows far more analysis. Everything in this story was a punch to the gut. I’ve waited 11 days to write a review, only to realise I would never be able to do it justice.
Overall, this is the perfect read for those whose pages say “dark, emotional, reflective”.
Much like listening to Pink Floyd, where it’s not just music but an experience, The End and The Calmative were not merely stories to be read, but to be experienced. This is arguably my favourite sort of literature — when it’s almost like a transcendental journey.
Beckett’s absurdism differs from that of Camus, with whom the philosophy seems to have come to be identified. This uniqueness is perhaps what places these bleak, emotionally heavy stories on a special pedestal.
I did enjoy The End more than The Calmative. Both of these stories were originally written in French, and then translated by Beckett himself. Thanks to the author’s involvement, they feel authentic in English too, but I can’t help thinking The Calmative would be an even better experience in its original French — there must have been an even better rhythm to the sentences! There is indeed dark humour to it. This second story is also far more surreal than the first. The long sentences, when combined with the quickly changing scenery, create a feverish feeling. At times I too did not really understand what was going on, but nonetheless, it was a solid experience . . . and perhaps that experience is the very meaning.
The End had more depth, with its themes of alienation and depression. It thus allows far more analysis. Everything in this story was a punch to the gut. I’ve waited 11 days to write a review, only to realise I would never be able to do it justice.
Overall, this is the perfect read for those whose pages say “dark, emotional, reflective”.