Man's Fate (La Condition Humaine)

I first read Man's Fate when I was 18, and reread it again when I was about 30 to see if I could understand it better. The first time I read Man's Fate was very difficult, I had trouble understanding it, and it was at the time the most difficult book I had ever read. Second time I actually enjoyed it somewhat and could understand it fine. Let me say this first: the language is exquisite, elegant, and sophisticated. It may be difficult for the general reader, but if you can wrap your brain around this, the language is impressive.I did notice some problems with this book. The first chapter scene, which is a murder, is exciting, yet the rest of the book does not really live up to that initial excitement. I found some of the plot elements, and some scenes to be disjointed. Basically Kyo's storyline and Chen's storyline don't really support or relate to each other. Also, the scenes of Ferrel are even more unrelated. Worse, Man's Fate ends in the most depressing of ways. It's just flat out depressing...I won't write here the ending to prevent plot spoilers. If you're looking for a hero story or how the oppressed over comes the oppressor, look for other reading material.Another significant problem is the setting: there really isn't much. I didn't feel Malraux understood China enough to write a novel set in it. The only thing Chinese were some people's names.Another minor problem I should mention: Many of the characters are despicable people. There wasn't much of any hero in Chen, and a little Kyo. Most characters were difficult to relate to and support as a reader in my opinion...especially Ferrel.If you would like to give this book a go, good luck! I hope you'll enjoy it more than me. It's worth reading strictly for the language usage and writing style, yet don't expect a feel good book. If you prefer elegant language without violence I suggest: The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Girl with a Pearl Earring, or the Cat Who Went to Heaven. If you like direct language that doesn't dilly dally around setting try L.A. Confidential.

An unexpected intelligence perspective into art.

I think that the book assumes a historical knowledge of the part of the reader regarding the Chiang Kai-Shek, the Kuomintang, the Communistis, the nature of the European enclaves. Maybe it's because I'm intellectually slow, I could not initially figure out what party was represented on the armed train or what governmental party controlled Shanghai at the start of the violence.If you are ignorant of these events in Chinese history, it is worthwhile to at least use Wikipedia to familiarize yourself regarding the political parties and governments involved in 1920s Shanghai before starting the book.

This is a stupendous modern novel! Malraux's style is similar to that of Graham Greene's, but much more fluid and enthralling.Existential but as centered on the underlying historical scene as on the characters, at times sad, gruesome and moody and at times comic and bizarre (in true Absurdist fashion).While being much about the spiritual state of the Communist revolutionaries in 1920s China - among other things - this book features a certain Clappique, who is now one of my favorite characters of all times.A great work of fiction, set in one of the most consequential events of the 20th century, hard to put down and with a perfect combination of great characters and wit.

Outstanding book! Delivered promptly and at a great price. Book was in advertised condition.

Malraux's "Man's Fate" is a classic French existential novel of the 1930s. It is carefully written and complexly thought out. Each character's existential commitment is clearly developed. The plot exists primarily to allow the essence of the various character to be illuminated in the face of certain destruction. The usual existential tropes of human isolation and suffering in an indifferent universe are emphasized.

Probably one of the best examples of existentialism. I read this as a freshman in college in English and later on in French. Malraux weaves these revolutionary characters together to get a real sense of why they are risking their lives on a cause that is doomed from the start. Also, many people don't know about this period in 1920's China.

It was in very poor condition, much worse than advertised. Very disappointing.

打倒、蒋介石を掲げる共産党員たちの物語です。一見ハードボイルドですが、アメリカのそれとはまた違い、人間の尊厳や死に焦点が当てられています。読んでいるうちに、カミュの『ペスト』に良く似た印象も持ちました。始めから最後まで暗く湿った雰囲気がありますが、その当時の中国がどのようであったのかが分かります。そして、そこがこの小説を強く印象付けているところです。また、マルローの微妙な心情描写や、哲学的描写も深く、魅了させられました。

The other reviews here will give you a good idea of the plot of the book. However, none of them point out that the title—Man's Fate—is really what the book is about. The whole scene in the camp is the course of a human life writ large, and it is scary. Malraux is dealing with such themes as courage and, above all, authenticity in the manner that existentialism deals with them. I think all the ambiguities of the characters and how they confront the situation in the camp all lead to the reality that the end of life is death in the Heideggerean sense, in the fire of the steam engine. It is unavoidable and if you accept authenticity as the way you live your life, you must face with courage. I first read this book 60 years ago, and in all those years I kept thinking about it. I read it then as a kind of political thriller. Now, at 79, I reread it because I knew it was far more subtle than that, and had something to tell me—me personally—about how to reflect on my own life and confront a death which cannot be too far away.

good book

La edición de cubierta y la tipografía no son las mejores, dejan mucho que desear. En costo beneficio me quedaron algo cortos.