“What a chain of shocking accidents!” exclaimed Candide. “But, after all I still have some diamonds left, with which I can easily buy Miss Cunégonde’s liberty. It is a pity, though, she is grown so very ugly.”

Eternal optimist Candide goes on a journey around the world only to discover that he does not live in the best of all possible worlds. Thrown out of his home for daring to kiss the baron’s daughter Cunégonde, our hero wanders through Europe, the Americas, and the Ottoman Empire witnessing the shocking realities of life.

First published in 1759, Voltaire’s biting satire is a critique of church, state, and society as a whole. Candide’s quest to be reunited with his lady love brings to light the injustices of the world through the naive eyes of the main character. Fast-paced, erratic, and often ridiculous, Candide is widely considered to be Voltaire’s best work.

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