58 pages • 1 hour read
Louis-Ferdinand Celine, Transl. Ralph ManheimJourney to the End of the Night
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1932A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Journey to the End of the Night by Louis-Ferdinand Celine follows the semi-autobiographical experiences of antihero Ferdinand Bardamu, from the trenches of World War I to various global locales, including West Africa, the United States, and Paris, grappling with disillusionment and existential angst. The book involves war, mental health struggles, crime, abuse, and exploitative relationships.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Louis-Ferdinand Céline’s Journey to the End of the Night captivates with its raw, unfiltered style and intense critique of society and war. Despite its brilliance in narrative innovation, some readers find its cynicism and pessimism overwhelming. The fragmented storytelling and vivid, often grotesque imagery leave a profound impact, albeit sometimes discomforting.
Who Should Read Journey to the End of the Night?
Readers who appreciate dark humor, existential themes, and anti-heroic protagonists will find Journey to the End of the Night by Louis-Ferdinand Céline compelling. Fans of works like Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger or On the Road by Jack Kerouac will enjoy this gritty, perspective-shifting narrative.