"A la recherche du temps perdu," or "In Search of Lost Time," is a novel by Marcel Proust published in seven volumes between 1913 and 1927. The story follows the narrator's reflections on his life, exploring themes of memory, time, and art. It is renowned for its deep psychological insights and intricate prose. The narrative is structured around the narrator's experiences in French society, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Key elements include the significance of involuntary memory, exemplified by the famous madeleine episode, which triggers a flood of recollections from his past.