Candide

The narrative of Candide tells the tale of a kind man who, despite being battered and slapped by destiny in every direction, tenaciously holds onto the idea that he lives in "the best of all possible worlds." This eighteenth-century classic seems to be a clever, jovial story, but behind its surface it is a vicious, satirical jab at the philosophical optimism that holds that all misfortune and human suffering are a part of a loving divine design. Fast-paced, humorous, and often absurd, the timeless story of the French philosopher sends Candide on a global adventure where he learns that not everything is as it seems, despite the advice of his esteemed mentor Dr. Pangloss. Filled with humor, intelligence, and a refined narrative style, Candide has grown to be Voltaire's most renowned composition.