In the quest to escape the monotonous grip of boredom, one must strive for transcendence. But how can we break free from nothingness? Our primal impulses often serve as our only guide, and unfortunately, they tend to lean towards the carnal side. Those who seek purpose through sexual encounters often find that it's only a fleeting solution, and they are left feeling unfulfilled and uninspired. Alberto Moravia's masterful novel delves deep into this cycle of ennui and transcendence through the life of a protagonist who grapples with the futility of his existence. With its succinct prose and insightful narrative, the book serves as a powerful reminder of the human struggle to find meaning in a world devoid of it. ( )

Middle aged and a failure as an artist, the protagonist of Boredom is disinterested in life but not unwilling to continue living. A painter, he meets a young model and his life changes - not necessarily for the better. ( )

This was also published under the title The Empty Canvas. I have to say that Boredom suits it much better. Ugh. ( )

Le conformisme, la bourgeoisie italienne, des héros toujours désabusés mais quand même obsédés par les femmes ou une femme. Moi, j'aime Moravia.

I loved the way this book felt in my hands. It was a thing of beauty - long and slender and delicate, much like the nymphomaniac muse at the heart of this little Italian tale.

The "Boredom" referred to in the title comes from a generally feeling of, what would the Germans say?, weltschmirz to do with life itself. A young artist takes in his elderly (and deceased) artist neighbour's muse and paints her himself, inbetween sessions inbetween the sheets. The prose stutters at times but when Moravia develops a rhythm there's nothing greater, and the sex is almost tangible. ( )