If the sun did not rise

Author's name: Charles Ferdinand Ramuz

What if we knew that everything would go away?

The sun will never rise again, and the earth will be plunged into darkness. What will we do? This shocking news will shake the foundations of a small, quiet village nestled in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Faced with the inevitable fate, the cruel surrendered, the pessimistic began to stockpile provisions in anticipation of the worst, the brave sought to do what they could, and the merchants took advantage of the opportunity. Each acted according to his nature, his desires, and his knowledge. Behaviors flared up

Individualism under the weight of this imminent catastrophic event.

“If the Sun Never Rises” is a novel that is difficult to classify, as it combines the beauty of a traditional tale with the magic of a modern novel. This surprising and captivating text combines the fragrance of antiquity with a unique contemporary style. Ramouz excels in drawing a narrative rhythm that combines symbolism and poetry, giving the story an exceptional power and beauty. Everything in this novel pulsates with perfection; the description, whether of the movement that seems choreographed by a dancer, or the landscapes that blossom as if from a painter’s brush, or the sounds that seem composed

A skilled musician, all these elements blend seamlessly into an amazing narrative symphony. Ramouz is like a magician who transforms a simple idea—a terrifying prophecy that shakes a remote village—into a massive symphony with an introduction, successive movements, and a dazzling ending.

For this reason, "If the Sun Never Rises" is considered a seminal work of Swiss literature and is extensively studied in Swiss schools. In recognition of the author's literary genius, the Swiss National Bank featured his image on the 200-franc note twenty years ago.