Pluche or the Love of Art Author:Jean Dutourd Translated by Robin Chancellor — Pluche is a painter and art is his life, but his story is the story of artistic creation. Pluche could as easily have been a writer or a musician or an architect, for he encompasses the joys and sorrows, the ethical and moral dilemmas, the problems of maintaining integrity in a hostile society. Pluche is a Parisia... more »n, but he could as easily have been an American.
Pluche is an artist, but he is also a man, subject to the little disturbances of man - loss of inspiration, disillusion in friendship, the pain of family crises - along with the pleasures of life - love, dalliance, a faithful dog, a good laugh, a good appetite. As he plods through the familiar details of the daily round in a period of artistic sterility, he comes to terms with his philosophy, holding up a mirror for the reader.
But Pluche is a hero, not an antihero. He is wedded to the unfashionable cult of the individual. He is happy to be alive. He glories in his own talent. He has confidence in himself and in the future. While his dilemmas are profound, his heart is light and his wit never deserts him. In Pluche, Jean Dutourd, the novelist, explores the prejudices, pretensions and absurdities of contemporary life with rare common sense.« less