Por la parte de Swann [Swann’s Way] Audiobook – Remembrance of Things Past [Spanish Edition], Book 1

There’s something magical about listening to an audiobook while curled up on a rainy afternoon, a warm blanket draped over my shoulders and a cup of tea steaming beside me. That’s exactly how I experienced “Por la parte de Swann (Swann’s Way) Audiobook”, the first volume of Marcel Proust’s monumental “Remembrance of Things Past”. Joan Mora’s narration was like a gentle guide through the labyrinthine corridors of memory, love, and time. His voice carried the weight of nostalgia and introspection, perfectly suited for Proust’s intricate prose.

The story begins with Combray, the idyllic village that serves as the backdrop for the narrator’s childhood memories. Listening to this section felt like wandering through a dream – vivid yet fleeting. The way Proust captures the essence of time slipping away is both heartbreaking and beautiful. Then came “Un amor de Swann”, which delves into Swann’s obsessive love for Odette. This part resonated deeply with me; it was raw, emotional, and painfully relatable. The jealousy, the longing, the way love can consume you – it all felt so real.

What struck me most was how Proust weaves philosophy into everyday moments. A bite of madeleine cake becomes a portal to the past, reminding us how fragile yet powerful our memories are. Joan Mora’s delivery added layers to this experience – his pacing allowed me to savor every word, every nuance.

If I had one critique, it would be that some sections felt slow-paced, but perhaps that’s intentional – a reflection of life itself. By the end of those 18 hours and 57 minutes, I felt as though I had lived multiple lifetimes alongside these characters.

This audiobook isn’t just a story; it’s an exploration of what it means to be human. It left me reflecting on my own memories and relationships long after I finished listening.