éric-emmanuel Schmitt La Traversée Des Temps Tome 3

Okay, picture this: me, sprawled on the couch, surrounded by half-empty cups of tea and a mountain of books. My cat, Mr. Snuggles (yes, I know, original), is using my stomach as a pillow. I’m staring blankly at the wall, vaguely remembering I have deadlines. The problem? I’m completely stuck on what to read next. Everything seems…meh. And then, like a divine intervention, I remembered: "La Traversée des Temps" by Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt! I had devoured the first two volumes and completely forgot about the release of the third! Cue the dramatic music and frantic bookstore visit (okay, online order, I'm not that dramatic).

And that, my friends, leads us to the heart of this little…review-ish-thing. "La Traversée des Temps, Tome 3: Le Soleil Noir" is finally here, and it’s a wild ride. But is it a good wild ride? Let's dive in, shall we?

The Premise (Refresher Course)

For those who are new to the party (welcome!), or, like me, have the memory span of a goldfish, "La Traversée des Temps" is a massive historical fiction project by Schmitt. We're talking spanning millennia! It follows the soul/consciousness of a certain Noam, as he gets reincarnated throughout history.

Each volume focuses on a specific era. Volume 1, "Paradis Perdus", throws us into prehistoric times. Volume 2, "La Porte du Ciel", catapults us to ancient Mesopotamia. Each time, Noam learns (or relearns) fundamental truths about humanity, life, love, and, of course, the recurring theme of the dangers of ideological fanaticism. Think of it as a very long, very thoughtful, and occasionally heartbreaking history lesson. But one where you're emotionally invested in the characters (which is more than I can say about my high school history class…no offense, Mr. Periwinkle!).

"Le Soleil Noir": Diving into the Darkness of the Middle Ages

So, where does "Le Soleil Noir" (The Black Sun) take us? You guessed it: the Middle Ages, more precisely, the 14th century. Forget the romanticized knights-in-shining-armor version (though, okay, there are a few knights), we're talking plagues, religious fervor, and the general sense that the world is ending. Fun times!

This time, Noam finds himself as a Jewish boy named Jonathan in Strasbourg, France. Schmitt does a masterful job of depicting the antisemitism of the period. It’s brutal, it’s unsettling, and it's absolutely necessary to understand Jonathan's journey. He faces persecution, forced conversions, and the constant threat of violence. Think about how you felt during the best parts of your favorite historical drama, and then crank it up a few notches.

What I Liked (And Loved!)

• The historical detail: Schmitt clearly did his homework. The descriptions of medieval life, the religious debates, the political intrigue – it all feels incredibly authentic. You really feel transported to that time. Bravo!
• Jonathan's Character: He's not just a victim. He's intelligent, resilient, and deeply spiritual. His struggles with his faith, his identity, and his place in a hostile world are incredibly compelling. I felt myself rooting for him from the very first page.
• The Themes: Schmitt doesn’t shy away from exploring complex themes like religious intolerance, the nature of evil, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. It makes you think, which is always a plus in my book.
• The writing style: Schmitt's writing is, as always, beautiful and engaging. He has a gift for bringing historical events to life and making them feel relevant to our own time.

What I Wasn't Completely Sold On

Okay, so nothing's perfect, right? (Except maybe chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven). There were a couple of things that I felt could have been stronger:

• Pacing: At times, the story felt a little slow. There are a lot of details, and while I appreciate the historical accuracy, there were moments where I felt like things were dragging. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't boring, but it did require a little patience.
• The "Big Picture": While I loved Jonathan's story, I sometimes felt like the connection to the overarching narrative of "La Traversée des Temps" was a little tenuous. It's there, of course, but it didn't feel as strong as in the previous volumes.

Honestly, these are minor quibbles. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed "Le Soleil Noir". If you’re a fan of historical fiction, philosophical novels, or just want a good, thought-provoking read, then I highly recommend it.

Should You Read It? (The Verdict!)

Yes! (But with a few caveats…)

If you haven't read the first two volumes, I would highly recommend starting there. You could read "Le Soleil Noir" as a standalone novel, but you'll get so much more out of it if you have the context of the previous books. It helps to have some background. It's like jumping into the middle of a long-running TV show – you can do it, but you'll probably be a little confused.

Also, be prepared for some heavy themes. This is not a light and fluffy read. It deals with some difficult topics, so if you're looking for something escapist, this might not be the book for you. But if you're willing to grapple with complex ideas and explore the darker side of human history, then you'll find "Le Soleil Noir" to be a rewarding experience.

Final Thoughts (And a Plea!)

Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt has created something truly special with "La Traversée des Temps". It's an ambitious, thought-provoking, and ultimately hopeful exploration of the human condition. He challenges us to confront our own prejudices, to question our beliefs, and to strive for a better world. And honestly, in today's world, that's something we desperately need.

Now, the big question is: when will we get Tome 4? Mr. Schmitt, if you’re reading this (highly unlikely, I know, but a girl can dream!), please, please, please don’t make us wait too long! The anticipation is killing me! Where will Noam end up next? The Renaissance? The French Revolution? My mind is racing with possibilities!

In the meantime, I'll be rereading "La Traversée des Temps" from the beginning, just to refresh my memory. And maybe bake some chocolate chip cookies. Because, you know, comfort reading and comfort food go hand in hand.

So, what are your thoughts? Have you read "La Traversée des Temps"? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below! I'm always up for a good book discussion.

Now, if you'll excuse me, Mr. Snuggles is starting to purr louder, which means it’s nap time. Happy reading!