A Sport and a Pastime
A Sport and a Pastime
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Brief
Beta185
Novel • Fiction
France • 1960s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Sport and a Pastime by James Salter is a novel that takes place in 1960s France and explores the romantic and sexual relationship between a Yale dropout, Philip Dean, and a young French woman, Anne-Marie. The story is narrated by an unnamed American expatriate who reflects on their passionate and turbulent connection.
Mysterious
Romantic
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
12,151 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
James Salter's A Sport and a Pastime is acclaimed for its lyrical prose and evocative depiction of 1960s France. Critics praise its sensual narrative and vivid imagery, although some find its plot meandering. The novel's exploration of desire and fantasy captivates readers, but its character development can feel shallow. Complex themes resonate despite occasional narrative detachment.
Who Should Read A Sport and a Pastime?
A reader who would enjoy A Sport and a Pastime by James Salter appreciates lyrical prose, introspective narratives, and explorations of sensuality and human relationships. Fans of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre may find it captivating.
12,151 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
185
Novel • Fiction
France • 1960s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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