...and very, very hush hush
The book starts with a promising ensemble of characters: Joan Didion and her circle, Eve Babitz, Jim Morrison, Steve Martin, Marlon Brando, Harrison Ford, Michelle Phillips, Stephen Stills, Atlantic Records President Ahmet Ertegun, renowned composer Igor Stravinsky-- and the creme de la creme of both Hollywood and the literary world. Author Lili Anolik had already published a biography of Eve Babitz, "Hollywood's Eve" when-- after Babitz passed away-- she stumbled onto a treasure trove of her letters. The focus of this book is seeing and reevaluating Joan Didion through Babitz's words.
I was somewhat familiar with Joan Didion, having read a few of her books and having watched the Griffin Dunne documentary "The Center Will Not Hold." I had no idea who Eve Babitz was, other than a celebrity associated with Hollywood in the 70's. My expectation was for a good, solid biography of two innovative writers.
I would classify this project as less biography and more gossipy opinion piece. Anolik does not mask her adoration of Babitz and often looks to tarnish Didion. Babitz is free-spirited and inventive. Didion is seen as calculating and distant. A solid biography would lay out facts, maybe quote others' opinions-- without the heavy-handed bias.
Again and again, we are addressed with the cutesy "dear reader" passages.
"In other words, Reader, don't be a baby."
"Don't worry, Reader, we won't be retracing our steps."
"Now bear with me, Reader..."
This would be fine if a Rona Barrett style is what you are looking for. I was reminded of Danny Devito's character in LA Confidential. "Remember dear readers, you heard it here first: off the record, on the QT, and very Hush-Hush." -- Sid Hudgens, LA Confidential
With the portrait of Didion as uneven as it is, it is hard for me to trust the depiction of Babitz. I recently read "Dorothy Parker in Hollywood" and wrote "...maybe I should read more Dorothy Parker and less about her." I should read some Babitz and not rely on a Fanclub account. (Ouch... hurts to write that.) Both of these trailblazing women should get their due.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book starts with a promising ensemble of characters: Joan Didion and her circle, Eve Babitz, Jim Morrison, Steve Martin, Marlon Brando, Harrison Ford, Michelle Phillips, Stephen Stills, Atlantic Records President Ahmet Ertegun, renowned composer Igor Stravinsky-- and the creme de la creme of both Hollywood and the literary world. Author Lili Anolik had already published a biography of Eve Babitz, "Hollywood's Eve" when-- after Babitz passed away-- she stumbled onto a treasure trove of her letters. The focus of this book is seeing and reevaluating Joan Didion through Babitz's words.
I was somewhat familiar with Joan Didion, having read a few of her books and having watched the Griffin Dunne documentary "The Center Will Not Hold." I had no idea who Eve Babitz was, other than a celebrity associated with Hollywood in the 70's. My expectation was for a good, solid biography of two innovative writers.
I would classify this project as less biography and more gossipy opinion piece. Anolik does not mask her adoration of Babitz and often looks to tarnish Didion. Babitz is free-spirited and inventive. Didion is seen as calculating and distant. A solid biography would lay out facts, maybe quote others' opinions-- without the heavy-handed bias.
Again and again, we are addressed with the cutesy "dear reader" passages.
"In other words, Reader, don't be a baby."
"Don't worry, Reader, we won't be retracing our steps."
"Now bear with me, Reader..."
This would be fine if a Rona Barrett style is what you are looking for. I was reminded of Danny Devito's character in LA Confidential. "Remember dear readers, you heard it here first: off the record, on the QT, and very Hush-Hush." -- Sid Hudgens, LA Confidential
With the portrait of Didion as uneven as it is, it is hard for me to trust the depiction of Babitz. I recently read "Dorothy Parker in Hollywood" and wrote "...maybe I should read more Dorothy Parker and less about her." I should read some Babitz and not rely on a Fanclub account. (Ouch... hurts to write that.) Both of these trailblazing women should get their due.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
