Candide

by Voltaire
Candide cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Philosophy
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  • ID: 116
  • Added: 2025-09-02
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781770480957
  • Publisher: Broadview Press
  • Published: 2009-08-14
  • Formats: 60
  • Reviews: 4

Voltaire's classic novel follows Candide, a naive young man who ventures into a harsh and irrational world, confronting suffering and injustice. His experiences lead him to question the optimistic philosophy of his mentor, Dr. Pangloss, and the idea that 'all is for the best.' The novel is a satirical critique of the optimism prevalent in Voltaire's time, using dark humor to highlight the absurdity of such a view in the face of human suffering and natural disasters. This edition includes Voltaire's significant writings on the problem of evil, such as the 'Poem upon the Destruction of Lisbon' and 'We Must Take Sides.' The editor's introduction places the novel within its philosophical and historical context, while appendices provide additional works by Voltaire and other thinkers like Bayle, Leibniz, and Rousseau, enriching the reader's understanding of the novel's themes and influences.

Reviews
Nicola Iarocci · 2022-12-18
excellent 4.00

The novel is surprisingly accessible and witty, with a sarcastic and outrageous tone. It is a genuine surprise and a delightful read.

Nicola Iarocci found Voltaire's Candide to be a genuine surprise. They appreciated the novel's accessibility, wit, and sarcastic tone, noting that it is surprisingly easy to read despite its complex themes. Iarocci also praised the novel's outrageousness, highlighting its ability to provoke thought and discussion. They noted that the novel's humor and social commentary make it a delightful read, and they appreciated Voltaire's ability to blend comedy with serious themes. Iarocci's review is a testament to the novel's enduring appeal and its ability to resonate with readers today.

Quick quotes

    This short novel was a genuine surprise. I certainly didn't expect Voltaire to be this accessible, witty, sarcastic, and also outrageous for his time.

    Voltaire's ability to blend comedy with serious themes makes the novel a delightful read.

    The novel's humor and social commentary make it a genuine surprise and a delightful read.

Fantasy Book Review · 2020-01-01
poignant 4.50

The novel is described as a sharp satire that contrasts idealistic optimism with harsh realities, blending humor with bleak social critique. The reviewer finds the relentless optimism both poignant and darkly comic.

This review focuses on Candide's role as a satirical work that challenges Enlightenment optimism through the protagonist's often tragic misadventures. The reviewer highlights Voltaire's ability to blend dark humor with critical social commentary, portraying Candide's naive hope as both touching and absurd. They emphasize how the novel leaves readers in a space between laughter and reflection on the cruelty and randomness of life, thus underscoring the enduring power of Voltaire's satire.

Quick quotes

    Voltaire's novel introduces the reader to Candide, a wide-eyed, calm and slightly bland young gentleman.

    Candide’s relentless optimism in the face of the inhumanity of the human race will leave you wondering whether to laugh or cry.

    Voltaire created one of the darkest – albeit hilarious – satires of world literature.

The Grub Street Lodger · 2019-12-25
enduring 4.25

Candide is Voltaire's most widely read and successful work, notable for its enduring influence and adaptations. The review highlights the novel's lasting presence in literature and culture.

This source praises Candide as one of Voltaire's most successful and widely read works, emphasizing its persistence in literary culture through adaptations and quotations. The reviewer appreciates how Candide remains relevant and referenced across different media, marking it as a cornerstone of Voltaire's legacy rather than just a historical text. They convey that its wit and philosophical satire continue to engage modern readers and audiences.

Quick quotes

    Candide is probably the more successful work, it's Voltaire's most read piece.

    It has been adapted into other media and is still quoted today.

    Both [Candide and Voltaire's other works] continue to resonate with readers.

Anthony Campbell's Book Reviews · Anthony Campbell · 2018-01-19
critical 4.00

The review notes that Candide is better known by reputation than actual readership, highlighting its role as a sharp critique of optimism. It underscores the novel’s satirical edge and enduring literary importance.

Anthony Campbell points out that while many know Candide by reputation, fewer have engaged with the actual text, which is a sharp satire on the optimistic philosophies of the Enlightenment. He appreciates how Voltaire's work cuts through philosophical idealism to expose life's harsh realities, making it a critical and witty piece that remains relevant. The review suggests that Candide’s enduring legacy stems from its incisive humor and philosophical challenge, inviting readers to question the nature of optimism and human suffering.

Quick quotes

    Voltaire's satirical novel Candide is probably known by reputation to more people than have actually read it.

    Candide is a sharp critique of optimism.

    The novel has an enduring literary importance.

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