The Good Soldier - Ford, Ford Madox
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First published in 1915, Ford Madox Ford's The Good Soldier begins, famously and ominously, "This is the saddest story I have ever heard." The book then proceeds to confute this pronouncement at every turn, exposing a world less sad than pathetic, and more shot through with hypocrisy and deceit than its incredulous narrator, John Dowell, cares to imagine. Somewhat forgotten as a classic, The Good Soldier has been called everything from the consummate novelist's novel to one of the greatest English works of the century. And although its narrative hook--the philandering of an otherwise noble…mehr

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Produktbeschreibung
First published in 1915, Ford Madox Ford's The Good Soldier begins, famously and ominously, "This is the saddest story I have ever heard." The book then proceeds to confute this pronouncement at every turn, exposing a world less sad than pathetic, and more shot through with hypocrisy and deceit than its incredulous narrator, John Dowell, cares to imagine. Somewhat forgotten as a classic, The Good Soldier has been called everything from the consummate novelist's novel to one of the greatest English works of the century. And although its narrative hook--the philandering of an otherwise noble man--no longer shocks, its unerring cadences and doleful inevitabilities proclaim an enduring appeal.Ford's novel revolves around two couples: Edward Ashburnham--the title's soldier--and his capable if off-putting wife, Leonora and long-transplanted Americans John and Florence Dowell. The foursome's ostensible amiability, on display as they pass parts of a dozen pre-World War I summers together in Germany, conceals the fissures in each marriage. John is miserably mismatched with the garrulous, cuckolding Florence and Edward, dashing and sentimental, can't refrain from falling in love with women whose charms exceed Leonora's. Predictably, Edward and Florence conduct their affair, an indiscretion only John seems not to notice. After the deaths of the two lovers, and after Leonora explains much of the truth to John, he recounts the events of their four lives with an extended inflection of outrage. From his retrospective perch, his recollections simmer with a bitter skepticism even as he expresses amazement at how much he overlooked.Dowell's resigned narration is flawlessly conversational--haphazard, sprawling, lusting for sympathy. He exudes self-preservation even as he alternately condemns and lionizes Edward: "If I had had the courage and the virility and possibly also the physique of Edward Ashburnham I should, I fancy, have done much what he did." Stunningly, Edward's adultery comes to seem not merely excusable, but almost sublime. "Perhaps he could not bear to see a woman and not give her the comfort of his physical attractions," John surmises. Ford's novel deserves its reputation if for no other reason than the elegance with which it divulges hidden lives. --Ben GutersonThe novel's original title was The Saddest Story, but after the onset of World War I the publishers asked Ford for a new title. Ford suggested (sarcastically) The Good Soldier, and the name stuck.In 1998, the Modern Library ranked The Good Soldier 30th on its list of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century. In 2015 the BBC ranked The Good Soldier 13th on its list of the 100 greatest British novels.
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Autorenporträt
Ford Madox Ford (1873-1939) was a prominent English author and editor, known for his significant contributions to 20th-century literature. His works span various genres, including novels, short stories, and essays, and he is particularly renowned for his innovative narrative techniques and deep exploration of character and society. Some of notable works are "The Good Soldier" (1915): Perhaps his most famous work, this novel is celebrated for its innovative narrative style and exploration of themes such as deception and betrayal. It is often regarded as a classic of modernist literature. "Parade's End" (1924-1928): A tetralogy that includes "Some Do Not," "No More Parades," "A Man Could Stand Up," and "Last Post." This series is noted for its portrayal of the impact of World War I on British society and its sophisticated narrative technique. "The Fifth Queen" (1906): A historical novel set in the Tudor period, showcasing Ford's ability to blend historical detail with imaginative storytelling. "The Queen Who Flew: A Fairy Tale" (1936): A departure from his more serious works, this fairy tale highlights his versatility and ability to engage with different genres. Ford Madox Ford's innovative approach to narrative and his exploration of modernist themes have left a lasting impact on literature. Despite facing some challenges in his later years, Ford's contributions to literature have cemented his place as a significant figure in 20th-century English literature. He passed away on June 26, 1939, but his legacy endures through his influential and thought-provoking writing.