In the mist shrouded city of Bruges, a grieving widower, finds himself consumed by the echoes of his past.
»Every town is a state of mind, a mood which, after only a short stay, communicates itself, spreads to us in an effluvium which impregnates us, which we absorb with the very air.«
Our main character Hugues Viane, finds comfort in the city itself, which serves as a living symbol of his pain and loneliness. The atmosphere of Bruges is vividly described, and the city becomes almost a character in its own right. When Hugues encounters a woman who resembles his deceased wife, he faces a conflict between his sorrow and his desire for a new life.
Georges Rodenbach (1855–1898) was a Belgian poet and novelist famous for his exploration of themes such as loss, memory, and the interplay between individuals and their environments. Born in Tournai, Belgium, he became closely associated with the Symbolist movement, which emphasized expressing ideas and emotions through symbolic imagery rather than straightforward representation.
In 1883, Rodenbach resided in Bruges, which influenced his most notable work Bruges la Morte. The city's dark atmosphere plays a crucial role in shaping the novel's themes. The early deaths of Rodenbach's two sisters affected him, fueling his literary exploration of mortality and grief.
The book includes 35 photographs, marking one of the earliest instances of fiction illustrated with photographs. This innovative combination enhances the reader's immersion in the melancholic beauty of the old city, drawing you into the mysterious canals, which reflect timeless facades of Bruges houses and evoke the feeling of stepping into an actual fairytale.
The photographs for Bruges la Morte were sourced from Lévy and Neurdein, specialists in touristic photography. Most of these images are devoid of people, emphasizing the desolation and solitude that back up Rodenbach's narrative.
In preparation for a rally focused on a trip to Bruges with friends, I researched the city's history and cultural background, which led me to discover Bruges-la-Morte. I read the novel on my train ride, and it captures the melancholic essence of Bruges beautifully.
Initially introduced to the city through the film In Bruges, I wanted to delve deeper into its story, especially during a time when Bruges was overshadowed by industrialization. The novel highlights the city’s mystical charm, a stark contrast to its decline as a trading hub in favor of Antwerp. When Bruges-la-Morte was published, it played a crucial role in reigniting interest in Bruges, showcasing its medieval beauty and restore its charm. Today, much of Bruges’ temptation is linked to the attention this book brought to it back in the days.
The used photographs, innovatively for their time, reinforce the city as a character, symbolizing the protagonist's emotional struggles. Reflections in the canals create a haunting illusion of another world beneath the surface, enhancing the novel's themes.
One striking aspect of the novel is its thematic similarity to Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Although I couldn't find direct evidence linking the two, the parallels in obsessive longing and grief are obvious.
Visiting Bruges after reading the novel was nice. A single day is not enough time to fully appreciate the city; I recommend at least two to three days to explore its many sights and shops. And The chocolate! I was genuinely impressed by the pralines dusted with cocoa. And for beer lovers, Bruges is home to the world’s largest underground beer pipeline.
In summary, Bruges-la-Morte offers a profound glimpse into the city’s past and emotional resonance through a narrative of loss and reflection. Rodenbach's use of symbolism and innovative photography make this work a valuable read. While not essential for enjoying Bruges today, the novel adds depth to anyone exploring the city's rich cultural heritage. I would consider it a hidden gem, but its often recommended as essential for those delving into works of the Symbolism Movement.
