Candide

By Voltaire, Francois-Marie Arouet (Translator)

A young man questions if this is truly 'the best of all possible worlds' amid chaos and satire.

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129 pages

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Bookroo's summary

Candide, a naive optimist, journeys through a world rife with chaos and misfortune, challenging his belief in a benevolent universe. Guided by Dr. Pangloss's teachings, he faces trials that test his faith in philosophical optimism. As he travels across continents, Candide encounters absurdities and harsh realities, questioning if everything truly happens for the best. Will he find solace in cultivating his own garden, or will the world's harsh truths shatter his ideals? This satirical adventure explores the clash between idealism and reality, leaving readers to ponder the true nature of happiness and contentment.

From the publisher

“Candide” is the story of a gentle man who, though pummeled and slapped in every direction by fate, clings desperately to the belief that he lives in “the best of all possible worlds.” On the surface a witty, bantering tale, this eighteenth-century classic is actually a savage, satiric thrust at the philosophical optimism that proclaims that all disaster and human suffering is part of a benevolent cosmic plan. Fast, funny, often outrageous, the French philosopher’s immortal narrative takes Candide around the world to discover that – contrary to the teachings of his distringuished tutor Dr. Pangloss – all is not always for the best. Alive with wit, brilliance, and graceful storytelling, “Candide” has become Voltaire’s most celebrated work.

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