Tuesday Intros and Teaser Tuesday - 'The Smartest Book in the World' by Greg Proops

Bruges-La-MorteToday I'm using a book which I first heard about in The Smartest Book in the World by Greg Proops. He made it sound so interesting that after reading his book I decided I had to read it for myself. This book is Bruges-La-Morte by Georges Rodenbach. Warning, I just realized the blurb below holds some spoilers.

Hugues Viane is a widower who has turned to the melancholy, decaying city of Bruges as the ideal location in which to mourn his wife and as a backdrop for the narcissistic wanderings of his disturbed spirit. He becomes obsessed with a young dancer whom he believes is the double of his beloved wife, leading him to psychological torment and humiliation, culminating in a deranged murder. This 1892 work is a poet's novel, dense, visionary and haunting. Bruges, the 'dead city', becomes a metaphor for Hugues'' dead wife as he follows its mournful labyrinth of streets and canals in a cyclical promenade of reflection and allusion--the ultimate evocation of Rodenbach's lifelong love affair with the enduring mystery and mortuary atmosphere of Bruges.
It sounds perfectly morbid, no? I think this could be a fun book to read late at night, while it's raining outside! Tuesday Intros is hosted by Diane over at Bibliophile by the Sea and Teaser Tuesdays is hosted over at A Daily Rhythm.

Intros:
'THE declining day had darkened the corridors of the great, silent dwelling, and demanded that the windows should be protected by the sombre, crape screens. Hughes Viane made his preparations for the desultory ramble with which it was his wont to close the afternoon.' p.1
Oh wow, this beginning is simply amazing in how Rodenbach uses his words. Just the first few words 'The declining day has darkened' is incredibly poetic because of the alliteration and even if you're not reading it out loud, you can't help but notice the beauty of his language.
TeaserTuesdays2014e

Teaser:
'Like faith, love nourishes itself in the fulfilment of small observances.' p.186
It looks as if this novel, despite its morbidity, can still be quite touching and sweet. I definitely think this teaser is true.

So, that was my novel for the day! Does Bruges-La-Morte sound interesting to you? And what are you teasing today?

Comments

  1. The writing is fantastic. Hope you enjoy this one Juli.

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  2. OOh nice tease! Hope you're enjoying this one!

    Here's my Tuesday post

    Have a GREAT day!

    Old Follower :)

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  3. This does sound like an interesting book! Great teasers:) here is my TT: http://candidcover.net/2015/05/05/teaser-tuesdays-3/

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  4. Sounds creeplily wonderful!

    Thanks for visiting my blog.

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  5. This sounds like the perfect book for fall/Halloween... making a note to read it then. Sounds wonderful!

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  6. This does look like a book for a dark night. I love the cover, too! I'd keep reading!

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  7. Bruges always sounds like a creepy place....and this book sounds creepy/good, too. I love finding out about books when reading another book that mentions them....that has happened to me at least once that I can recall.

    Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.

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  8. Sounds like an interesting, creepy book. Hope you're enjoying the read very much!

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  9. I'm loving the writing in the intro, as you say, very poetic. Hope you enjoy your read. Thanks for visiting my Tuesday post https://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2015/05/05/first-chapter-first-paragraph-may-5/

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  10. I don't think this one is for me, but hope you enjoy it!

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  11. I don't usually read books this old because the writing tends to be so dense, but this does sound tempting.

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  12. I'd want to be sure I'd have plenty of time to savor the language in this book before even starting it! It definitely sounds heavy. Having visited Bruges several years ago, it would be interesting to read a story set in that lovely town.
    Thank you for stopping by my blog and taking the time to leave a comment. I always enjoy hearing from you.
    Sandy @ TEXAS TWANG

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  13. I have to agree with you, the author did a phenomenal job with that introduction; it is grim, ominous and so incredibly tempting. And the teaser is almost lyrical; great feature!

    Wishing you a lovely week <3

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  14. I think you right - reading this on a dark and stormy night seems perfect. I do love the language - very gothic. And the teaser holds wisdom. Great book!

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  15. That doesn't sound like a welcoming house.


    mine: https://storytreasury.wordpress.com/2015/05/04/teaser-tuesday-stories-of-the-raksura-vol-1/

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  16. Nice teaser, but I like your commentary even better...a fun book to read late at night, while it's raining

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  17. This one isn't calling to me. I hope its one you will enjoy.

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  18. Interesting choice of words.

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  19. I haven't seen this book before. I like the teaser - nice turn of phrase.

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