SINCE 2000 // The social life of the mind
This is a historical novel based on the life of Marie de Gournay, a 16th century writer and the editor (and protector of) Michel de Montaigne's Essays. She's a strange woman and this is something of a strange novel. Diski is a fine writer, and there were many passages I loved, in particular Marie's intoxication with books, and with the work of Montaigne in particular.
I was sometimes entralled with this novel, but not always, and, ultimately, I was relieved to see the end of it.
15 days ago
An excellent eye-opening biography, but full of errors. Can't be trusted. Too bad.
17 days ago
A much tooted novel about New York in the aftermath of 9/11. Good, but not fantastic. Very low-key. But yes: good.
17 days ago
Pasha Malla is a wonderful poet: surprising, funny, witty, emotional and wise.
about 1 month ago
This is wonderful ... William James with edge (and shorter sentences).
2 months ago
Just started reading and it's pulling me in. I'm travelling, so it's possibly a good choice.
(Later, after finishing.) It pulled me through to the shocking end -- a distasteful subject, well- but not perfectly-done. I'm shocked it won the Orange Prize.
4 months ago
I'm a writer of historical fiction (The Josephine B. Trilogy; Mistress of the Sun) set in 18th and 17th century France.
Apology for the Woman Writing
by Jenny Diski
started December 22 2008
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1 note
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Netherland: A Novel
by Joseph O'Neill
started December 20 2008
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1 note
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Madame De Maintenon: The Secret Wife of King Louis XIV
by Veronica Buckley
started December 20 2008
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1 note
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