Reviews

Particularly enjoyed Anaïs’ reflections on the value of being a quiet observer in this one, and how that also comes with loneliness and a painful inability to connect with others.

I’ve seen some people say that Anaïs name drops and constantly describes being praised. I find this a bizarre observation, she is dedicated to the craft of writing and therefore chronicles both the praise and criticisms of her work from other writers. Of course in her diary she is going to capture when people have connected to her work. She also takes an amused and self-aware view when men over-praise her to the point of mythologising her, she does not just lap it up blindly.

The diary got repetitive at points, particularly the way she constantly compares Henry and Rango, but I suppose repetitiveness is the nature of a diary.

It was really fascinating and sad to read her observations in the months leading up to France entering World War 2. How quickly a vibrant life turned to devastation, anxiety and sadness, along with all those around her. It reminded me of the sudden switch in mood once we entered the Covid lockdowns and it became clear the pandemic was serious.