Jim Noonan OCD
The Eighth Day, selected writings of Christian Bobin
translated by Pauline Matarasso (Darton, Longman & Todd, £12.99)
An inspirational French author, Christian Bobin is a prolific writer, producing over 50 books, in more than 30 years, and has been a bestseller (his books have sold over 200,000 copies per edition) in France for many years. This is a superb book presenting a wide selection from Bobin’s writings.
Although he is famous in France, he is lesser known in the English-speaking world. However, Pauline Matarasso’s skilful translation and compilation makes this book an excellent introduction to his writings, thus making them accessible to the English reader.
This anthology covers a wide range of themes and it superbly introduces the reader to the wisdom and luminous vision of a modern day philosopher.
Bobin holds the prestigious award of winner of France’s 1993 Grand Prix Catholique de Litterature and is recognised as an inspirational writer. Although being a life-long sufferer of depression and, it seems, he has lived a reclusive life, this has not been a hindrance to his creative writing but rather became a rich and fertile ground for his unique insights, and wisdom.
Drawing inspiration from his Catholic faith, from the world of nature, and his personal struggle with life and meaning, he draws new and rich insights from past and present experiences from what is ordinary in life. He is deeply reflective, almost religious and worth exploring. This book is certain to challenge the way we see the world.
Bobin is an observer of life, and says “the most luminous moments in my life are those where I am content to watch the world appearing”. He has a fascinating skill of combining very different themes from ordinary life and drawing out new insights.
Those who are first-time readers of Bobin, may need to be patient and take time, as they are introduced to a philosophical way of viewing life. But it is worth giving the time and to allow the richness of his insights to fascinate and lead the reader to fresh, richer and fascinating views of life.
This book is a treasure, which is skilfully translated, capturing the author’s poetic and inventive writing style. The translator has also preserved the limited vocabulary style which marks Bobin’s writing style.
With fresh introductions to each chapter, it is the perfect book to dip into, and discover a fresh wisdom, which transcends culture, and which can illumine and enrich the reader’s life today. It is the perfect introduction to an inspirational philosopher for our time.