Apology for the Woman Writing (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781844083862)

Marie de Gournay was eighteen when she read, and was overwhelmed by, the essays of the French philosopher Montaigne. She had to be revived with hellebore. When she finally met Montaigne, she stabbed herself with a hairpin until the blood ran in order to show her devotion. He made her his adopted daughter for the two months they knew each other. He died four years later, after which, though scorned by intellectuals, she became his editor. Jenny Diski engages with this passionate and confused relationship between 'father and daughter', old writer/young acolyte, possible lovers, using both their voices. Much of their story is about absence of the people they love. In Jenny Diski's hands it becomes a fascinating tale.

Author: Jenny Diski
ISBN-10: 1844083861
ISBN-13: 9781844083862
Publisher: Little Brown and Co. (UK)
Language: English
Published: 08/06/2009
Pages: 288
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.50lbs
Size: 7.70h x 5.00w x 0.60d

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 09/01/2011 pg. 54