“The wretchedness of ordinary life, endured so gaily when it is part of our normal existence, is made far worse when it comes as something new, and is exaggerated by the working of the imagination.”

French novelist and essayist of the early 20th century, Proust is best known for his monumental seven-volume novel *In Search of Lost Time*, a deeply introspective exploration of memory, time, and human experience. His lyrical prose and psychological depth have made him a cornerstone of modern literature.