kpezza's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
issyx's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
avsdhpn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is what would happen if you mixed the Canterbury tales with Forrest Gump, an enlightenment era politcal sh!t post that reads like a fever dreams.
simon_reads03's review against another edition
5.0
What an adventure! Candide was wonderful to experience. From the writing to the historical references, to the utter wit, this was incredible.
Candide takes the reader on an extensive journey through various parts of Europe and South America as our main hero, Candide, is kicked in the behind by the world and given the worst luck ever. One of the biggest strengths of this short novel was the incredible cast of characters. The amount of people Candide encounters is actually unbelievable yet fun. Every single one of them is somehow fleshed out in Voltaire’s fresh and daring writing.
There is a certain lightness to this story, while still containing both heavy philosophical questions and an extensive journey with many names and historical ideas pertaining to the 18th century.
This feels like a true adventure story, filled with twists, voyages, murder, escape, and the quest for a true (?) love. Not only are the conversations and emotions palpable, but also the humor take is magnificent. The story doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet it is, indeed, serious, and with that conclusion, anyone would be enchanted by the optimistic Candide.
*It is important to note that this story — having been written originally in French in the 18th century — utilizes gruesome language of people of color and jewish people. This may be offensive if read out of context, and is important to acknowledge the historical factors that played into this novel, as well as to remember those who suffered while others rejoiced.*
Candide takes the reader on an extensive journey through various parts of Europe and South America as our main hero, Candide, is kicked in the behind by the world and given the worst luck ever. One of the biggest strengths of this short novel was the incredible cast of characters. The amount of people Candide encounters is actually unbelievable yet fun. Every single one of them is somehow fleshed out in Voltaire’s fresh and daring writing.
There is a certain lightness to this story, while still containing both heavy philosophical questions and an extensive journey with many names and historical ideas pertaining to the 18th century.
This feels like a true adventure story, filled with twists, voyages, murder, escape, and the quest for a true (?) love. Not only are the conversations and emotions palpable, but also the humor take is magnificent. The story doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet it is, indeed, serious, and with that conclusion, anyone would be enchanted by the optimistic Candide.
*It is important to note that this story — having been written originally in French in the 18th century — utilizes gruesome language of people of color and jewish people. This may be offensive if read out of context, and is important to acknowledge the historical factors that played into this novel, as well as to remember those who suffered while others rejoiced.*
agathakr's review against another edition
reflective
3.75
In the beginning I coudn't vibe with the book but when I understood what was actually about and all the food for though it provided I really appreciated my read.
pawel9802's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tine1789's review
3.0
Candide las veel vlotter dan ik verwachtte en, ondanks dat het ontzettend over-the-top was en er een moordend tempo op nahield (in +/- 120 bladzijden gaan we de halve wereld rond – en terug!), heb ik me er wel mee geamuseerd. En het valt niet te ontkennen dat die zaken hebben bijgedragen aan de charme van deze satire.
mai_tee's review against another edition
2.0
What the actual fuck even was that book. Maybe it‘s just me generally disliking Voltaire but by god, this was one of the most ridiculous plots I’ve ever read (which is a thing I would normally love) and despite of that it still somehow manages to be boring to no end and annoy the fuck out of me with its dated opinions on literally anything.
lapetiteprincess's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0