What is the longest book in the world?

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The Longest Novel: In Search of Lost Time

The title for the longest novel is generally attributed to In Search of Lost Time (À la recherche du temps perdu) by Marcel Proust. This monumental work, published in seven volumes between 1913 and 1927, explores themes of memory, time, and society in early 20th-century France.

• Length: Estimates vary, but it typically ranges from 4,215 to 4,300 pages in its English translation, with approximately 1.2 million words.

• Structure: The novel is divided into seven volumes:

  1. Swann's Way
  2. In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower
  3. The Guermantes Way
  4. Sodom and Gomorrah
  5. The Prisoner
  6. The Fugitive
  7. Time Regained

• Key Themes: The novel delves into various complex themes:

  • Memory: Central to the novel, voluntary and involuntary memory are explored to understand the past.
  • Time: The subjective experience of time and its impact on human perception is a major focus.
  • Art: Proust explores the role of art, particularly literature and music, in capturing and preserving the essence of life.
  • Love: The complexities of love, desire, and relationships are examined through various characters and their experiences.
  • Society: The novel provides a detailed portrait of French aristocratic and bourgeois society during the Belle Époque.

• Literary Significance: In Search of Lost Time is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century literature, known for its innovative narrative techniques, psychological depth, and lyrical prose. Its influence can be seen in many subsequent works of fiction.