Among some of my favourite books for example are House of Mirth and Totto Chan: The Little Girl at The Window. I must have re-read these like half a dozen times. I was blown away when I read them and these stories have burned into my memory. But that didn't set me on a quest to find out what I can about Edith Wharton or Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. Somehow, who they are or the lives they have led don't seem that relevant to me.
I know for example some people who will read a book or watch a movie because they adore the author or the film star. Or conversely, boycott their work because they have been revealed to be abusive drunks or lying cheats. I guess I'm not that discriminatory. (Well most of the time that is. I draw the line when it comes to Roman Polanski.)
Nevertheless, I found it fascinating when I read this article about the impending release of Twain's autobiography. I think what has caught my imagination was his motivations for doing so. Fans of Twain I am sure will be anticipating this with bated breath. As for me, I think I'll like to continue imagining him as an intrepid Southern adventurer and a bit of a rascal, quite like his character Huck, inaccurate though this characterisation may be. To read the article in the Sunday Independent, click here. - Fran.
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