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An "intelligent, incisive" (Washington Post) parable about order and chaos by "one of the greatest modern novelists" (A. S. Byatt), Rituals tells the story of Inni Wintrop, a dabbler who floats comfortably on the open possibilities of life and in the flow of time meets two men who do not. Winner of the Pegasus Prize for Literature. Translated by Adrienne Dixon. A Helen and Kurt Wolff Book. Harvest in Translation series
Inni Wintrop, a man defined by his lack of commitment, finds his aimless existence disrupted when his path intersects with two men obsessed with order and structure. Inni Wintrop navigates life as a passive observer, moving through the world without a defined purpose or rigid moral framework. His encounters with two distinct individuals—one a man of extreme discipline and the other a man of profound existential despair—force him to confront the tension between chaos and ritual. The narrative unfolds through a series of philosophical reflections and character-driven vignettes that examine the nature of time and human connection. The prose maintains a detached, observational quality, emphasizing the internal state of the protagonist over external action.
Readers and critics frequently highlight the intellectual depth and stylistic precision of the prose. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to balance philosophical inquiry with the mundane details of daily life. Many observers note that the pacing is deliberate and contemplative, favoring character development over traditional plot progression. The work is often praised for its atmospheric quality and its nuanced exploration of how individuals construct meaning in an indifferent world. Readers who appreciate character-driven narratives with a strong philosophical undercurrent will find the text particularly engaging.
Page Count:
160
Publication Date:
1985-01-01
Publisher:
Peguin Books
ISBN-10:
0140070796
ISBN-13:
9780140070798
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