
audiobook
by Paul Éluard
A striking collection of early‑twentieth‑century poems, this volume opens with a thoughtful essay that probes the fragile relationship between language and meaning, setting the tone for a series of vivid, fragmentary pieces. From tender observations of childhood to stark meditations on mortality, the poems weave everyday moments with surreal images, inviting listeners to linger on the texture of each line. The work balances playful wordplay—like the whimsical “Quatre gosses”—with deeper reflections on love, loss, and the quiet yearning that underlies daily life.
Throughout the first act, the poet’s voice oscillates between gentle lyricism and sharp, almost tactile descriptions, capturing scenes of streets, forests, and intimate interiors. Themes of dreaming and the necessities of existence emerge naturally, as the verses explore how desire and routine intersect. Listeners will find a rich tapestry of emotions that feels both intimate and universal, offering a resonant glimpse into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
Language
fr
Duration
~31 minutes (30K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2018-02-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1895–1952
A central voice of French surrealism, this poet joined dreamlike imagery to direct, emotional language. His work also became a quiet form of resistance during World War II, especially in the widely shared poem "Liberté."
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