"Interviews with Women Writers" is a special series launched by the editorial department of "The Paris Review" since 2017. So far, two volumes have been published. The "Paris Review·Interviews with Women Writers" launched this time has been adjusted and includes interviews with sixteen female writers: Margaret Yourcenar, Isaac Dinesen, Hilary Mantel, Elena Ferrante, Simone de Bod Voy, Janet Winterson, Elizabeth Bishop, Marilyn Robinson, Jane Morris, Dorothy Parker, Joan Didion, Grace Paley, Natalie Sallot, Eudora Welty, Ann Beatty, Lori Moore.
As the first special collection of interviews with female writers in the publishing history of The Paris Review, the sixteen interviews in this book can also be regarded as "essays in dialogue". It is not only a high-level discussion of writing techniques, but also covers the subtle but character-reflecting details of a female writer's life: When did she establish her ambition to write? What was her literary inspiration? What specific obstacles did she encounter during the different stages of writing? How does she deal with external denial and self-doubt? Who are her comrades or misfits? What is her relationship with feminist thought? …
Reader comments
It was as if I was immersed in the conversation. Having read the works of some writers, I became more interested in the conversation. Some conversations inspired writers and book lists. Overall, they are worth reading. After learning about the writer's character, writing background, etc., They are all outstanding women worth appreciating!
A lot of resonance arose during the reading, and the scattered and disordered feelings in my mind began to become clearer [Sending Hearts]
After reading, there will be a lot of parts that you don't understand well. It is recommended to prepare a notebook and pen when reading. There was one chapter where I listened to the book without a pen and fell asleep. I read a lot while reading, and there was a voice in my mind asking me about a certain word or phrase in the conversation, and I seemed to be able to slowly give an answer that seemed inexplicable before. Many interesting story fragments also appeared in my mind, which was very interesting [Sending Hearts]
Most of the female writers are sincere and lovely. Although I have not read many of their works, many of them have been added to my reading list after reading the interviews. I appreciate those who are confident in themselves and those who can introspect themselves. Only a few of them are a bit speechless. At the same time, the quality of an interview depends not only on whether the interviewee is interesting, but also whether the person asking the questions is knowledgeable enough. In comparison, the previous ones are indeed more interesting.
I especially like Isaac Dinesen, whose mysterious pen name and changing identities are impressive. Her work must have depth and charm too! This book helped me learn more about female writers and sparked my interest in reading their works.
It was as if I was immersed in the conversation. Having read the works of some writers, I became more interested in the conversation. Some conversations inspired writers and book lists. Overall, they are worth reading. After learning about the writer's character, writing background, etc., They are all outstanding women worth appreciating!
A lot of resonance arose during the reading, and the scattered and disordered feelings in my mind began to become clearer [Sending Hearts] After reading, there will be a lot of parts that you don't understand well. It is recommended to prepare a notebook and pen when reading. There was one chapter where I listened to the book without a pen and fell asleep. I read a lot while reading, and there was a voice in my mind asking me about a certain word or phrase in the conversation, and I seemed to be able to slowly give an answer that seemed inexplicable before. Many interesting story fragments also appeared in my mind, which was very interesting [Sending Hearts]
Most of the female writers are sincere and lovely. Although I have not read many of their works, many of them have been added to my reading list after reading the interviews. I appreciate those who are confident in themselves and those who can introspect themselves. Only a few of them are a bit speechless. At the same time, the quality of an interview depends not only on whether the interviewee is interesting, but also whether the person asking the questions is knowledgeable enough. In comparison, the previous ones are indeed more interesting.
I especially like Isaac Dinesen, whose mysterious pen name and changing identities are impressive. Her work must have depth and charm too! This book helped me learn more about female writers and sparked my interest in reading their works.