Charles Ferdinand Ramuz Book order

A haunting, allegorical Swiss masterpiece centered around a posse of villagers as they brave dark elements to ascend a mountain, thicketed with lore Teeming with tension, this immersive, rhapsodic story transports readers to the Swiss mountainside, bringing to mind the writing of Thomas Mann while offering character studies as vivid and bracing as Eudora Welty’s. Feed is running low in a rural village in Switzerland. The town council meets to decide whether or not to ascend a chimerical mountain in order to access the open pastures that have enough grass to “feed seventy animals all summer long.” The elders of the town protest, warning of the dangers and the dreadful lore that enfolds the mountain passageways like thick fog. They’ve seen it all before, reckoning with the loss of animals and men who have tried to reach the pastures nearly twenty years ago. The younger men don’t listen, making plans to set off on their journey despite all warnings. Strange things happen. Spirits wrestle with headstrong young men. As the terror of life on the mountain builds, Ramuz’s writing captures the rural dialog and mindsets of the men. One of the most talented translators working today, Bill Johnston captures the careful and sublime twists and turns of the original in his breathtaking translation.

Set against the backdrop of the mountains, the narrative follows Maurice Farinet, who, after learning about a hidden gold vein from his mentor Sage, becomes an outlaw after making counterfeit coins. Following his second prison escape, he finds refuge among locals, particularly Josephine, who aids him. As law enforcement closes in, Farinet faces a dilemma when offered a deal to serve a short sentence. This tale, inspired by true events, explores themes of independence and the cost of freedom within a richly depicted rural landscape.

A mountain falls down and an alpine village is frozen in its summer state. When a ghostly figure appears the villagers are terrorised. Is it a soul trapped in limbo, come to make his baleful complaint? Swiss writer Charles-Ferdinand Ramuz sets his masterful tale of love and loss against the tectonic indifference of the high Alps.

Set in high mountain landscapes, the narrative explores the profound impact of a world altered by an unending night. It delves into the lives of those whose existence is intricately tied to the rhythms of nature, highlighting their struggle to adapt to an unsettling reality. As the sun fails to rise, the characters confront their fears and the fragility of their seasonal existence, prompting reflections on survival and the essence of life in the face of an apocalyptic scenario.

Exploring the enduring spirit of a river, the narrative delves into themes of nature, life, and continuity. Through poetic language, it captures the essence of the river as a living entity, reflecting on its influence on the landscape and the lives intertwined with its flow. The work invites readers to contemplate the relationship between humanity and the natural world, emphasizing the river's eternal presence and the stories it carries through time.

Set in a serene Swiss mountain village, the story revolves around the enigmatic shoemaker, Branchu, whose generosity and helpfulness lead to prosperity for those who engage with him. However, one character, the eccentric Luc, remains skeptical and is immune to Branchu's charm, highlighting the themes of deception and the nature of human relationships. The narrative explores the contrast between appearances and reality, as Luc’s unique perspective sets him apart from the rest of the community.

Set in a Swiss inn, the narrative unfolds as a writer engages with two men, leading to a captivating exploration of beauty and chaos. The arrival of a beautiful orphan disrupts the tranquility of her uncle's town, triggering unexpected consequences. Originally published in 1927, this translation by Michelle Bailat-Jones offers English readers a long-awaited opportunity to experience Charles-Ferdinand Ramuz's profound themes and rich storytelling.