Clerambault

Name: Clerambault
Author: Romain Rolland

By Romain Rolland

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French Literature Novels

About This Book

A reflective novel traces a family centered on a devoted father who composes an ode to peace and preaches the primacy of individual conscience as war spreads. It juxtaposes quiet domestic scenes with public denunciations of mass opinion and state pressure that erode personal freedom. The parents grapple with pride and horror when their grown son goes to the front, and his letters—bravado mingled with discovery of unexpected resilience—both comfort and disturb them. Through intimate portraits, moral essays, and wartime correspondence, the narrative examines how collective fervor subsumes singular souls and argues for solitary moral courage in the face of social and institutional coercion.

About the Author

Romain Rolland

Romain Rolland was a French novelist, playwright, and musicologist, known for his profound exploration of human experience and the arts. He gained prominence with his monumental work "Jean-Christophe," a multi-volume novel that reflects his deep engagement with music and philosophy. Rolland's writing often delves into themes of individuality and the struggle against societal constraints, making him a significant figure in early 20th-century literature. His works, including "Above the Battle" and "Clerambault: The Story of an Independent Spirit During the War," showcase his commitment to pacifism and humanism during tumultuous times. A Nobel laureate in Literature, Rolland's legacy continues to influence writers and thinkers around the world.