Dressez haut la poutre maîtresse, charpentiers ; suivi de : Seymour, une introduction : Book Review

"Dressez haut la poutre maîtresse, charpentiers" is a captivating collection of novellas written by the renowned author, J.D. Salinger. This collection consists of two distinct yet interconnected stories that provide rich insights into the complex character of Seymour Glass, a recurring figure in Salinger's works.

The first novella delves into the mind of Seymour Glass as he attends his brother's wedding. Salinger skillfully employs a stream of consciousness narrative style, allowing readers to intimately experience Seymour's thoughts and emotions. Through this introspective prose, Salinger explores themes of family dynamics, mental health, and societal pressures.

The wedding setting serves as a backdrop for Salinger to examine the conflict between conformity and individuality. Seymour's struggles with societal expectations and the desire to maintain his own identity create a compelling narrative that prompts readers to reflect on their own lives and choices. Salinger's sensitive portrayal of Seymour's mental health issues adds depth and authenticity to the story, as readers witness the impact of these challenges on his sense of self and relationships.

In the second novella, the focus shifts to the aftermath of Seymour's troubled life. Titled "Suivi de," this section provides further insight into Seymour's character, exploring the lasting effects he had on those around him. Through this exploration, Salinger adds layers to Seymour's story, presenting a well-rounded narrative that enhances readers' understanding of his complexities.

The structure of the novellas, with one centered around a joyous occasion and the other delving into the repercussions, enhances the overall narrative. It offers a comprehensive view of Seymour's life, showcasing both moments of celebration and the consequences of his struggles. This structure adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a truly engaging read.

What are readers saying?

"Dressez Haut la Poutre, ma Tresse, Charpentiers!" is a collection of two novellas written by the renowned author J.D. Salinger. The book has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with readers praising Salinger's unique storytelling style and the depth of his characters.

The first novella, "Dressez Haut la Poutre, ma Tresse," delves into the complex relationship between siblings, focusing particularly on the narrator's brother Seymour. Readers have expressed appreciation for the beautiful prose and introspective nature of the writing, exploring themes of family, identity, and the human condition. Salinger's ability to capture the intricacies of sibling dynamics and the emotional weight of the story has been highly praised.

Continuing the exploration of Seymour's character, the second novella, "Charpentiers," creates multifaceted and incredibly real characters. Readers were captivated by Salinger's skill in portraying inner turmoil and the characters' struggles with isolation and connection.

Overall, "Dressez Haut la Poutre, ma Tresse, Charpentiers!" is considered a compelling and thought-provoking read. Salinger's mastery of language and his ability to evoke deep emotions through his words has resonated with readers, making the book timeless in its themes that continue to hold relevance even decades after publication.

A minority of reviewers found the novellas to be too introspective and challenging to follow. They struggled to connect with the characters and felt that the narrative wandered at times. However, these criticisms were outweighed by the majority who highly recommended the book, emphasizing its compelling nature.

DressezHautLaPoutreMaTresseCharpentiers FrenchLiterature ClassicNovel