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manda2491's review
2.0
For this review, I am deeply torn. I don't think I agree with the way the translator put together the sections of this book and I don't think most of his informative footnotes are necessary. I especially don't think I agree with the way bits & pieces of Gide's journal were plucked to create an extrapolation he did not necessarily intend.
That being said, Gide writes in flowering, exaggerated language about a relationship with his wife & cousin, Madeleine, that deeply maimed and inspired his spirit. At times, he perfectly defines the ails of love while in other moments, it seems his love was based solely on indefinable factors (they never consummated their marriage nor seemed to speak about personal matters). Nevertheless, Gide's account is soaked in an emotion that many heartbroken and heartstruck shall identify.
That being said, Gide writes in flowering, exaggerated language about a relationship with his wife & cousin, Madeleine, that deeply maimed and inspired his spirit. At times, he perfectly defines the ails of love while in other moments, it seems his love was based solely on indefinable factors (they never consummated their marriage nor seemed to speak about personal matters). Nevertheless, Gide's account is soaked in an emotion that many heartbroken and heartstruck shall identify.
postalvirgin's review
3.0
I enjoyed it in parts. My only problem is his constant reassertion of his devoted love, and how it contradicts his depiction of Madeleine. I still believe he was in love with her, but he doesn’t provide enough examples to trust him. His portrait of her, at least defined here (I haven’t read anything else of his), is of someone constantly whining and repugnant. One of the best parts of this thing occurs in his journal, when he references a letter she wrote him:
“Oh, if only you were invulnerable, I should not tremble. But you are vulnerable, and you know it, and I know it.”
That is lovely; there is not enough of that. It’s a very imbalanced memoir of love. I’d still recommend it, though. There is certainly a lot to enjoy.
“Oh, if only you were invulnerable, I should not tremble. But you are vulnerable, and you know it, and I know it.”
That is lovely; there is not enough of that. It’s a very imbalanced memoir of love. I’d still recommend it, though. There is certainly a lot to enjoy.
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