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reading (Fire)
I finished the next volume of Anais Nin's diary, "Fire", today. I thought I might manage to finish it up last night, but even if I'd stayed up I wouldn't have finished before 2007 rang in. The reason it took me over a month was mostly due to outside factors, but like all the Nin diaries, I had to read it in little nibbles.
This volume finds Anais keeping three, yes three, households. She is alternating between Hugh, Henry, and fascination du jour Gonzalo. She's convinced that none knows she's with the others. I'm not sure any of them are that stupid, well at least not Henry and Hugh.
I continue to be amazed at Hugh. He is now supporting himself, Anais, and indirectly Henry, Gonzalo and at least partially Helba, Gonzalo's wife. Is there any end to his devotion and tolerance?
The prose goes from eloquently plain to overwhelmingly symbolic, metaphysical, and flowery. Whether sections are soaring into the metaphysical plains or simply overwrought wanking depends on your literary politics. There is no doubt she has a gift with words and can turn a pithy phrase. But sometimes I think she should have edited and rewritten the diaries less.
Reading about the way Anais looks at life and acts breeds relationship neurosis. The way she lies, deceives, and feels complete innocence is startling. Her examples are so everyday. I'm seeing potential deception everywhere. Add to that the fact she will have sex with Rank or Hugh when she is physically repulsed by them just so they won't feel bad (or she won't have to go out and make a living on her own). Does every woman do that? How many times have I been subject to such kindness? See what I mean, relationship neurosis.
It was interesting to see how far in advance people in France felt war coming. In 1936 they already viewed war as inevitable. It was shaping their lives even then. It's been a long time since history class, but I think my history lessons reflected the fact that Americans were out of touch at that time.
This is the next to last volume I own, the next goes up to 1939 and the exodus from France. It will probably be the last that I read. It has been an enlightening journey, but even Hillary skipped some peaks.
1. Anais Nin "Fire"
This volume finds Anais keeping three, yes three, households. She is alternating between Hugh, Henry, and fascination du jour Gonzalo. She's convinced that none knows she's with the others. I'm not sure any of them are that stupid, well at least not Henry and Hugh.
I continue to be amazed at Hugh. He is now supporting himself, Anais, and indirectly Henry, Gonzalo and at least partially Helba, Gonzalo's wife. Is there any end to his devotion and tolerance?
The prose goes from eloquently plain to overwhelmingly symbolic, metaphysical, and flowery. Whether sections are soaring into the metaphysical plains or simply overwrought wanking depends on your literary politics. There is no doubt she has a gift with words and can turn a pithy phrase. But sometimes I think she should have edited and rewritten the diaries less.
Reading about the way Anais looks at life and acts breeds relationship neurosis. The way she lies, deceives, and feels complete innocence is startling. Her examples are so everyday. I'm seeing potential deception everywhere. Add to that the fact she will have sex with Rank or Hugh when she is physically repulsed by them just so they won't feel bad (or she won't have to go out and make a living on her own). Does every woman do that? How many times have I been subject to such kindness? See what I mean, relationship neurosis.
It was interesting to see how far in advance people in France felt war coming. In 1936 they already viewed war as inevitable. It was shaping their lives even then. It's been a long time since history class, but I think my history lessons reflected the fact that Americans were out of touch at that time.
This is the next to last volume I own, the next goes up to 1939 and the exodus from France. It will probably be the last that I read. It has been an enlightening journey, but even Hillary skipped some peaks.
1. Anais Nin "Fire"