The Ravishing of Lol Stein by Marguerite Duras (Book Analysis): Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide

By Bright Summaries

Unlock the more straightforward side of The Ravishing of Lol Stein with this concise and insightful summary and analysis!

This engaging summary presents an analysis of The Ravishing of Lol Stein by Marguerite Duras, an ambitious and innovative novel which follows the titular character’s attempts to rebuild her life after her fiancé leaves her for another woman. The narrative interweaves themes such as memory, madness, adultery and the inability to communicate, resulting in a novel that is engrossing and thought-provoking. Although less well-known than Duras’ later novel The Lover, The Ravishing of Lol Stein is nonetheless critically acclaimed, and was named by the French newspaper Le Monde as one of the 100 best books of the 20th century. Marguerite Duras was a French writer, playwright and filmmaker. She often moved away from the structure and style of traditional fiction in favour of a more abstract approach, making her one of the most influential and innovative authors of the 20th century. 

Find out everything you need to know about The Ravishing of Lol Stein in a fraction of the time!

This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you:
• A complete plot summary
• Character studies
• Key themes and symbols
• Questions for further reflection

Why choose BrightSummaries.com?
Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you on your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com!

• Language: English
• Publisher: BrightSummaries.com
• Release date: May 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9782806295569

Book preview

French writer, dramatist and filmmaker

Born in Gia-Dinh, later Saigon (French Indochina) in 1914.

Died in 1996 in Paris.

Notable works:

The Sea Wall (1950), novel

Moderato Cantabile (1958), novel

The Lover (1984), novel

Marguerite Duras was born Marguerite Donnadieu in Gia-Dinh (a former name for Saigon), Cochinchina (a former region of French Indochina). She is associated by some with the French nouveau roman, although she herself never claimed to be part of this movement. Duras was a writer, dramatist and filmmaker, and also participated in the French Resistance during the Second World War (1939-1945).

This often-controversial writer became known to the public in 1950 with her novel The Sea Wall, which was followed by a string of books heavily inspired by her intense life. However, she did not achieve real critical recognition until The Lover (1984), which won France’s prestigious Prix Goncourt. Her writing stands out for its modernity and departure from existing conventions, while her cinema is known for its very personal and radical style (Détruire, dit-elle [Destroy, she said], 1969; India Song, 1975; The Lorry, 1977).

A fascinating and cryptic novel

Genre: novel

Reference edition: Duras, M. (1966) The Ravishing of Lol Stein. Trans. Seaver, R.