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donnajah's review against another edition
4.0
Book Review: Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay
Rating: ★★★★☆
Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Nancy Milford is a deeply researched and meticulously detailed biography that offers a comprehensive look into the life of one of America's most celebrated poets. Milford's exploration of Edna St. Vincent Millay's life is both illuminating and captivating, shedding light on the complex and often tumultuous world in which she lived.
The biography takes us on a journey from Millay's early years in rural Maine to her rise as a prominent literary figure in the early 20th century. Milford delves into the poet's personal relationships, her creative process, and the societal forces that shaped her work. Through letters, journals, and interviews, the author paints a vivid portrait of a woman who defied convention and challenged societal norms, both in her personal life and in her poetry.
What sets Savage Beauty apart is Milford's ability to capture the essence of Millay's spirit and talent. The author explores the profound impact of Millay's poetry on the literary landscape of her time, as well as the enduring legacy she left behind. Milford's prose is engaging and evocative, bringing Millay's world to life and allowing readers to connect with her on a deeply personal level.
One aspect of the biography that stands out is Milford's exploration of Millay's complex relationships and her exploration of sexuality. Millay's unconventional lifestyle and her bisexuality challenged societal norms of the time, and Milford provides a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of these aspects of her life. The author handles these subjects with care and respect, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges Millay faced as a woman living in a society that often sought to stifle her voice.
While Savage Beauty is a comprehensive and insightful biography, there are moments when the narrative feels overly detailed and dense. Milford's meticulous research sometimes results in an overwhelming amount of information, which may be daunting for readers seeking a more concise overview of Millay's life. Additionally, some readers may find the extensive focus on Millay's personal relationships and the intricacies of her love affairs to be excessive and distracting from her literary achievements.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Savage Beauty remains a definitive biography of Edna St. Vincent Millay, offering a rich and nuanced exploration of her life and work. Milford's passion for her subject shines through in her writing, and her deep understanding of Millay's poetry adds an extra layer of insight to the narrative. This biography is a valuable resource for lovers of Millay's poetry, as well as those interested in the lives of influential women writers of the early 20th century.
In conclusion, Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay is a compelling and comprehensive biography that delves into the complexities of one of America's most iconic poets. Nancy Milford's research and storytelling shine throughout, providing readers with a deeper understanding of Millay's life, poetry, and the cultural context in which she lived. Despite its occasional density, this biography is a must-read for anyone seeking to discover the fascinating life and enduring artistic legacy of Edna St. Vincent Millay.
(Also currently one of my favorite books)
Rating: ★★★★☆
Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Nancy Milford is a deeply researched and meticulously detailed biography that offers a comprehensive look into the life of one of America's most celebrated poets. Milford's exploration of Edna St. Vincent Millay's life is both illuminating and captivating, shedding light on the complex and often tumultuous world in which she lived.
The biography takes us on a journey from Millay's early years in rural Maine to her rise as a prominent literary figure in the early 20th century. Milford delves into the poet's personal relationships, her creative process, and the societal forces that shaped her work. Through letters, journals, and interviews, the author paints a vivid portrait of a woman who defied convention and challenged societal norms, both in her personal life and in her poetry.
What sets Savage Beauty apart is Milford's ability to capture the essence of Millay's spirit and talent. The author explores the profound impact of Millay's poetry on the literary landscape of her time, as well as the enduring legacy she left behind. Milford's prose is engaging and evocative, bringing Millay's world to life and allowing readers to connect with her on a deeply personal level.
One aspect of the biography that stands out is Milford's exploration of Millay's complex relationships and her exploration of sexuality. Millay's unconventional lifestyle and her bisexuality challenged societal norms of the time, and Milford provides a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of these aspects of her life. The author handles these subjects with care and respect, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges Millay faced as a woman living in a society that often sought to stifle her voice.
While Savage Beauty is a comprehensive and insightful biography, there are moments when the narrative feels overly detailed and dense. Milford's meticulous research sometimes results in an overwhelming amount of information, which may be daunting for readers seeking a more concise overview of Millay's life. Additionally, some readers may find the extensive focus on Millay's personal relationships and the intricacies of her love affairs to be excessive and distracting from her literary achievements.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Savage Beauty remains a definitive biography of Edna St. Vincent Millay, offering a rich and nuanced exploration of her life and work. Milford's passion for her subject shines through in her writing, and her deep understanding of Millay's poetry adds an extra layer of insight to the narrative. This biography is a valuable resource for lovers of Millay's poetry, as well as those interested in the lives of influential women writers of the early 20th century.
In conclusion, Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay is a compelling and comprehensive biography that delves into the complexities of one of America's most iconic poets. Nancy Milford's research and storytelling shine throughout, providing readers with a deeper understanding of Millay's life, poetry, and the cultural context in which she lived. Despite its occasional density, this biography is a must-read for anyone seeking to discover the fascinating life and enduring artistic legacy of Edna St. Vincent Millay.
(Also currently one of my favorite books)
moknowsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
The writing and content were a bit tedious and hard to follow at times, but it covered a really intriguing life. I hadn't read E.St.V.M.'s poetry before but picked up the book because I thought it looked interesting. I loved learning about her her life in the context of bohemian Greenwich Village and Paris.
kricketa's review against another edition
4.0
Really fascinating biography of a woman I have long been fascinated with.
njbrit's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
Bogged down on the letters & poems Prefered separated & can read poetry at leisure After biography. such an Amazing interesting Women
emilieonthemove's review against another edition
4.0
Even though this took me forever to read, it was lovely. Nancy Milford does an incredible job of weaving the story of Edna St Vincent Millay’s life - almost making it feel like fiction. But of course, that is also because the life lived by Millay was so unusual and extraordinary, casting off social norms, capturing the hearts of men and women alike, writing beautiful poetry, and then spiraling down into tragedy. She truly lived the life of her most well-known poem: my candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night. But ah my foes, and oh my friends, it gives a lovely light!
radioisasoundsalvation's review against another edition
4.0
This was an amazing read! Yeah, it took me forever, but it's dense. Every scenario, moment of this passionate poet's life has a series of letters illuminating the circumstances further, an entire lifetime worth of associates and fellows to share in her experiences, and Milford goes into it all! Absolutely a wonderfully thorough biography, with all of the intrigues and artistry of being there.
I only had one issue; it wasn't until Milford began examining Millay's later involvement in anti-war advocacy prior to the US's involvement in WWII, that Milford really got thorough with describing the historical, socio-political issues prevalent in her life. There were so many issues in Millay's experiences that seem so foreign to people of our era... ah well! We all wish that the great reads were a couple of hundred pages longer!!
I only had one issue; it wasn't until Milford began examining Millay's later involvement in anti-war advocacy prior to the US's involvement in WWII, that Milford really got thorough with describing the historical, socio-political issues prevalent in her life. There were so many issues in Millay's experiences that seem so foreign to people of our era... ah well! We all wish that the great reads were a couple of hundred pages longer!!
lanternhillbooks's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
nualasiobhan333's review against another edition
sad
medium-paced
4.0
this was a tragic telling leaving me feeling uneasy. how can i judge the actions of another when it is impossible to know what is going on in ones head? edna st vincent millay lived many lives and i am sure broke many hearts. was hers broken from the start?
xxstefaniereadsxx's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.0
Edna St. Vincent Millay was born in Maine in 1892. Her mother divorced her father due to domestic abuse, and she moved around with her and her siblings. She won several awards for her poetry throughout her childhood. She attended Vassar College, enrolling in 1913. She moved to New York, where she became a founding member of the Cherry Lane Theatre. She wrote articles for magazines (under a false name) to bring in some income. She became involved in social, political, and feminist activism. She began publishing her poetry and really making a name for herself as a serious and accomplished professional poet. She died in 1950, after having fallen down the stairs and broken her neck. A doctor decided a heart attack was the reason for her fall.
This book was really good. Nancy Milford was granted access to Millay's private papers by Millay's surviving sister. She felt that Milford had done a very respectable job on Zelda Fitzgerald and thought that she would do her sister justice. The facts about her life were communicated thoroughly and efficiently, but the book was not boring. I didn't know she wrote one about Zelda, so now I need to find that one and read it. Pick this up if you are a Millay fan.
This book was really good. Nancy Milford was granted access to Millay's private papers by Millay's surviving sister. She felt that Milford had done a very respectable job on Zelda Fitzgerald and thought that she would do her sister justice. The facts about her life were communicated thoroughly and efficiently, but the book was not boring. I didn't know she wrote one about Zelda, so now I need to find that one and read it. Pick this up if you are a Millay fan.
aezlo's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Infidelity
Moderate: Chronic illness, Car accident, Death of parent, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Abortion and Sexism