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amysteele's review against another edition
3.0
Penelope Lively begins “This is not quite a memoir. Rather, it is the view from old age.” And that’s exactly right. Aging happens to almost everyone. It’s unavoidable and inevitable unless of course you die young. Lively reminisces quite a bit in this memoir but strikes a balance, not dwelling too much on one subject or another. Lively spent her childhood in Egypt, attended boarding school, then college in England, and wrote dozens of novels [for which she won many awards— including the Booker Prize]. The writing itself isn’t terribly organized or edited although she divides her memoir into sections: Old Age; Life and Times; Memory; Reading and Writing; and Six Things. At 80-years-old, Lively makes astute observations though can wander off on rambling tangents too often.
I simply didn’t care for several sections in this pithy memoir—one which dealt two much on her WWII memories and one from which she chose her title. She describes several objects which hold special meaning for her. It fell a bit flat particularly after an intriguing portion on reading and writing. In the best parts she describes what influenced writing many novels as well as favorite books and authors. She humorously writes about the technology gap as someone gets disappointed when the smart phone purchase is for her not her grandchild or her granddaughter asked her to put a ribbon into her “vintage” typewriter. Also most times she discussed [non-wartime] London delighted me. Perhaps I’d have appreciated this memoir if I’d been better acquainted with Lively’s fiction writing and I’m apologetic that I’ve only read Moon Tiger. I have several others like Consequences on my bookshelves, waiting to be read. Since it’s a quick read, it’s worth reading, particularly for avid readers and writers, as Lively provides some interesting anecdotes and meditations.
brughiera's review against another edition
3.0
Serendipity drives this memoir and renders this a charming but personal reflection. At eighty there is obviously a lot to look back on, but what consistently appears more vivid are the childhood years in Cairo, memories of which recur throughout the book. There is little about what appears to have been a long and very happy marriage, even though the book is dedicated to her husband. In fact, family appears to have receded and the reflection focuses on personal considerations about old age, the elusive and selective nature of different types of memory and inspirations for reading and writing. These give many interesting clues about the drivers for Dame Lively's own work and some hints for other budding authors. The final section on the six things is again very personal, and, unlike the previous sections, less susceptible to adaptation to others' possible interests. In fact, the book ends very abruptly with the sixth object and leaves one a little dissatisfied with the lack of a rather more generalized conclusion. But perhaps that is the prerogative of a serendipitous memoir!
pmelchior's review against another edition
4.0
This is a wonderful book by an iconic writer, and I was thrilled to win a copy here on Goodreads.
Though I am not in my 80s, I am just a few years into retirement, and Lively's reflections spoke to me in ways I had not anticipated. I will be returning to this book again and again to reread, reflect and consider my own takes on her observations as one who has gone before.
Though I am not in my 80s, I am just a few years into retirement, and Lively's reflections spoke to me in ways I had not anticipated. I will be returning to this book again and again to reread, reflect and consider my own takes on her observations as one who has gone before.
lmplovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
A thoughtful, gentle look at a life from the perspective of an older age. One I will buy and enjoy a second time.
an0987's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
A fantastic memoir-type book with thought-provoking insights on time and death. I was particularly piqued by her insights on the role of social narratives and history in our personal lives.
While it isn’t necessarily ground-breaking from a philosophical standpoint, I really enjoyed these musing and teachings from Lively. I had truthfully never heard of the author before picking up this book at my library, so I have no context around her previous novels and writings.
This is an accessibly written read for the general public and a good reminder of our own mortality.
While it isn’t necessarily ground-breaking from a philosophical standpoint, I really enjoyed these musing and teachings from Lively. I had truthfully never heard of the author before picking up this book at my library, so I have no context around her previous novels and writings.
This is an accessibly written read for the general public and a good reminder of our own mortality.
kcvmoundshroud's review against another edition
4.0
This eclectic collection of essays spanning the author’s long life is wise, insightful and honest. While not afraid of her approaching demise, Mrs. Lively reviews the past with acceptance and grace. She discusses reading, writing, traveling, and coming to terms with the limitations of aging. One does not need to be acquainted with her own work to enjoy this enlightening collection. Recommended.
deborahisreading's review
4.0
A thoughtful and thought provoking memoir about what makes us ‘us’ - memories and experiences, all contributing to how we perceive and define our own old age
jstimmins's review against another edition
4.0
I set this aside because I was busy and distractible, and nonfiction permits pauses, but I enjoy memoirs by British authors born before World War II; I enjoy Penelope Lively’s writing; and this book was therefore a very good fit for me. It’s an especially useful mentor text for anyone looking to write about their own life, although I’m sure I wouldn’t be as insightful for stylistically polished as Lively is.