UEL English PEN Society Book Reviews

Candide, by Voltaire

A scathingly honest but cleverly veiled critical commentary on power systems and the innate untrustworthiness of human beings, this book had me laughing through every page, from beginning to end. I could not put it down, and had it finished within a day. Not dissimilar to the wit of Charlie Brooker – in my opinion, a modern day Voltaire, if somewhat far less delicate – it tears apart the patriarchal, greedy hierarchy of tyrannical government, prison systems, class systems, religion, and indeed eventually, the common man. It is a reflection on what Voltaire considered the societal and global ills of his time – and a triumph of eighteenth century satire. Also worth noting is that Voltaire was thrown into the Bastille twice for writing amusingly transparent accounts of life which the French government did not appreciate at all.

We follow Candide on his unfortunate and mishap-ridden travels across the globe, from his beginnings in a wealthy Westphalian country home where he’s tutored by an unrealistically optimistic philosopher. On his journey, he fast encounters all the bad luck that could possibly befall one man, including flogging, robbery, attempted murder, shipwreck, and earthquake (to name but a few). Throughout this, the beautifully blunt and modern syntax of his friends Cacambo and Martin are juxtaposed with Candides old-fashioned tongue perfectly, showing not just the satirical beauty of the story itself but also highlighting the flawless translation by John Butt.

We end up with Candide settling down on a farm with Cunégonde, the wife of his dreams (or, is she?) and the friends he has picked up along the way. Throughout the text, he questions the meaning of life and whether everything is meant to be, coming to the conclusion at this point, that to work in the garden and not question, is the safest way to while away the latter days of a human life.

I think my favourite little pearl of wisdom in the whole text is this;

“But what was this world created for?” said Candide.

“To drive us mad,” replied Martin.

--- Peace and love (and keep the pledges coming through), Sam