47 pages 1 hour read

Abbe Prevost

Manon Lescaut

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1731

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Manon Lescaut by Abbé Prévost, the Chevalier Des Grieux narrates his tumultuous love affair with Manon Lescaut, detailing their initial meeting, passionate relationship, repeated separations, financial schemes, and the tragic end leading to Manon's death and Des Grieux's turn to religion. The book contains themes of obsessive love and its destructive consequences.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Many reviewers praise Manon Lescaut for its emotional depth and intricate exploration of love and moral ambiguity. Abbe Prevost's narrative captivates through vivid character development and compelling storytelling. However, some criticize its pacing and occasional melodrama. Overall, it remains a significant work in the canon of French literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Manon Lescaut?

Readers who appreciate the tragic romance and moral complexities in Manon Lescaut by Abbé Prévost are likely fans of classics like Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy or Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert. They enjoy intricate character studies and explorations of love, passion, and societal downfall set against rich historical backdrops.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

French Literature

Themes

Values/Ideas: Fate

Natural World: Appearance & Reality