Lots of fun
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`JTF' is a picaresque novel written at the end of the 18th century. It follows the travels of Jacques and his master, as both recount stories of their pasts and attempt to answer the philosophical implications of their existences. In trying to tell his master about his love-life, Jacques provides a framework from which many other narratives spring, concerning the loves, fights and childhoods of many of the other characters. Jacques' philosophy is that all the events on earth are pre-ordained in heaven, so there is very little point in worrying about what is happening (or going to happen) to him.
Picaresque novels, with their many loosely connected stories, usually lose my interest easily, but this didn't happen with `JTF'. The book is very funny, and the stories are punctuated with witty dialogues between Jacques and his master, or Q&A sessions by the author. Although this is a `philosophical' novel, the philosophy is not laid on with a trowel, and is also integral to the stories. Consequently the whole thing was a jaunty, enjoyable and easy read. Diderot also tips a wink to contemporaries, especially Laurence Sterne, adding to the don't-take-me-too-seriously feel of the whole thing. If the words `picaresque', `18th century' or `philosophical novel' usually put you off, `JTF' is still worth a read. It is funny and clever, and its hero is a truly memorable character.
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