Barthes, Kierkegaard, Han - What happened to the erotic?

This graphic adaptation of Marcel Proust's 'In Search of Lost Time' presents the first volume, 'Swann's Way', in a compressed and visually engaging format. The adaptation, likened to a 'piano reduction of an orchestral score', retains the fundamental architecture and themes of Proust’s work, including time, art, and the elusiveness of memory. Stéphane Heuet's detailed illustrations bring to life the narrator Marcel's childhood memories in Combray, capturing the humor, wit, and memorable characters of Proust's original text. This adaptation is designed to make Proust's work more accessible while maintaining its essence and beauty.

In 'Either/Or', Kierkegaard juxtaposes the aesthetic and ethical modes of life through the writings of two imaginary characters, 'A' and 'B'. Part 1, written by 'A', presents the aesthetic man, with essays on topics such as Mozart’s 'Don Giovanni', ancient tragedy, and the famous 'Seducer’s Diary'. Part 2, written by 'B', a middle-aged judge, advocates for an ethical life, emphasizing the importance of commitments like marriage and the development of the inner self. The book is a rich and suggestive exploration of existential choices, though it lacks a clear message, leaving interpretations open to the reader. It also includes a final sermon that highlights the limitations of both worldviews and points towards a religious perspective.