What a drama queen. Stilted by the main character’s ridiculous actions. ( )

Maybe even 1.5*…

A more complete review will come but here are some thoughts I have upon finishing this French classic. I disliked the main character and also the manner in which the story is related. He is forever talking in extremes - stuff like "I was the most wretched creature that ever existed". Despite all his attention to Manon and talk about her beauty and virtues, I never got any feeling for her character; all the reader gets is how the Chevalier sees her. ( )

I enjoyed this read for the observations of a 1700's story...and how well it translates to current perspective. However, the characters are the kind you just want to shake! The main fellow is not merely blinded by love...he's made completely senseless by desperate obsession. It was a tragedy...and I am the sort who weeps throughout a tragic story...but not once did I shed a tear, not even as the story concluded. ( )

A French classic, love as the theme, the gullible but persistent suitor giving up everything for his wayward lover, Manon. There is more to it than that, the characters acting as themes such as love, friendship, family etc. The novel can also be viewed from the humorous angle - how can the Chevalier des Grieux be so naive to fall head over heels in love with such a scheming young girl. How many daft schemes can a suitor come up with, all doomed to failure? ( )

This is a book I would never have picked up if not for the fact that it is on the reading list of an online course I’ve just started. It is the story of the Chevalier Des Grieux, the second son of a wealthy, upper-class French family in the early 18th century. By purest chance he happens to meet the beautiful Manon Lescaut. She comes from a lower class and is on her way to join a convent. Des Grieux himself is destined for the priesthood, but the moment he spots Manon that idea goes out the window.

Unfortunately for him Manon isn’t exactly the most steadfast of lovers. Her fear of poverty is more than enough to send her seeking richer partners. Or so Des Grieux tells us. He, of course, never gives up but follows after her again and again attempting to win her to him forever.

I really disliked Des Grieux. He was such an idiot, and he never ever seemed to learn from his previous errors and missteps. It was the same story over and over again. As for Manon herself, well, the story was told from Des Grieux’s point of view so we never got to see what she thought or felt about anything. Or indeed her reasoning for her actions. All we have to go on is what the Chavalier tells us, and he is an admitted thief, pimp, and cheat. He might not describe himself in those words, not recognise that description as fitting him, but that is what he is.

In the context of the course I am doing it’ll be interesting to see the interpretation we are given for this. The course is entitled The Fiction of Relationship and there is plenty of fiction in the relationship between Des Grieux and Manon Lescaut. A perfect example in many ways.