The World According to Joan Didion

I loved this book, every bit of it and I felt more in love with this amazing woman and writer- Joan Didion. I haven’t read any work of Didion to date, just watched a documentary on Netflix based on her- ‘The Center Will Not Hold’ and ever since that I had a curiosity about reading her works. After reading this sort of biography based on her life as a writer, wife, and mother my interest is highly piqued.This book is well-researched, incredibly written, and takes us to the parts of Didion’s life that were beyond her fame and words. Joan was brave, honest, and unique in her ways, she lived life with an attitude, a style, and a stamina that didn’t seem to get affected or dither by anything. Until her husband’s and daughter’s death only a few years apart. Evelyn wrote about her personal life with much interest, the author interviewed close family members and friends and that side of Joan is even more lovable and inspiring. There’s this enigma about her whether she was shy or introverted or funny and social creature, she was different for different people I guess.Joan's writings gave an idea of Western living in a way that was never before expressed by anyone, she dwelled behind the limelight, and she was never the kind of feminist people want others to be, she never even promoted that idea, neither talked about it, but her writings were enough to represent her thought, that were nothing but about equality and respect for women.I loved the book, I have three pages full of lines from the books, and I have added many books by Joan in my cart, just a tiny bit of disbalance in this book is when the author starts fitting herself into the story, I understand that she was just comparing the situation or proclaiming her love for Didion but it seems extra and unwanted. Also, a little bias on the author’s part is noticeable, except for Joan’s signature style of oversized sunglasses and cigarette in hand, there’s no flaw, no insecurity, nothing about that person, is it possible? I don’t know but would I recommend this book, YES, YES, YES.

I didn’t want to finish the book - the writing is superb and Evelyn McDonnell’s clear, easy to understand but still erudite style is almost like reading Didion directly. If you are a fan of Didion, of the investigative but still literary essay, and/or the literary novel, understanding what processes go on behind the page is a glorious study guide. Highly recommend!

What a joy it was to read so many new facts about one of my favorite authors in a book that so smoothly connects her life to her writing. I look forward to re-reading some of my favorites with deeper understanding and pleasure.

good order fulfillment for a new book