Fosca, an Italian prince of the thirteenth century, drinks an elixir that makes him immortal and then lives through the centuries, watching empires rise and fall. In the present, he tells his story to Régine, an actress who longs for lasting fame and finds herself intrigued. As he describes his attempts to leave a mark on history, from city-state politics to colonial ventures and revolutionary movements, she begins to understand that immortality is a burden. Simone de Beauvoir uses the premise to explore the meaning of human action, time and death.
It suits readers who like philosophical fiction and historical sweep. Those curious about existentialist ideas presented through narrative will find an accessible entry point.
Deep, inward-looking, contemplative and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Wisdom Collector. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1974
- Publisher
- Folio
- Language
- FR
Quotes by Simone de Beauvoir
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