Alain-Fournier and Le Grand Meaulnes (The Wanderer) (Studies in French Literature)

An innovative study of Alain-Fournier's Le grand Leaulnes , contending that Fournier abandoned Symbolism in the second half of the work and embraced a Primitivist style more in keeping with his true aesthetic, creating one of the earliest examples of the modern novel. Discusses Fournier's nostalgic love for the rustic world of the French peasantry, the effect of a performance of Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring on Fournier, aspects of characterization in the work, and roles played by secondary characters. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)