"Life is extraordinarily suave and sweet with certain natural, witty, affectionate people who have unusual distinction and are capable of every vice, but who make a display of none in public and about whom no one can affirm they have a single one. There is something supple and secret about them. Besides, their perversity gives spice to their most innocent occupations. Such as taking a walk in the garden at night." -- Marcel Proust
All last week I was tempted. Tempted as I can be by powerful words and a friend who is an excellent writer and literary enabler. 'The book fairy' she has been called by many who know her, and to which I can happily testify is an accurate moniker. The challenge: to read In Search of Lost Time, beginning simply with the first volume, Swann's Way.
It was the excerpt above, at the end of her week long Proust-fest that tipped my decision to join this reading and discussion experience.
It is often said -- and I know it to be true -- that the person we will become in the years ahead is directly related to the people with whom we associate and the books that we read.
I've never been much for standing still.
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For info. on the Proust invitation read the week-long series at Nonsuch book.
