Anne Sexton: A Self-Portrait in Letters

I'd venture to say this is the BEST and most wonderfully written compilation of letters I've ever read. There it is, sprawled on page after page, Anne Sexton straight up with no chaser. Over the last couple of years have picked up letters penned by people I highly admire (Kenneth Tynan and more recently Leonard Bernstein come to mind), and I was left sadly disappointed. And then there's Anne's missives standing tall in striking comparison. They're all so packed with humor, personality, wisdom, introspection, melancholy - you name it. The emotions here run the gamut of the entire human condition.Let's face it - Anne was one tough pill to swallow. She defiantly refused to conform to the rules of society. Having grown up in a rather straight laced and upper class family (albeit with many skeletons), Anne basically flipped them the bird by refusing to follow any and all established patterns of expected behavior. Kind of admire her for that because she was one ballsy broad. However, anyone knowing the whole story would strongly empathize with her charismatically handsome husband, Kayo, and her daughters Linda Gray and Joy. And as for Anne's relationship with her husband and kids? That's where it gets real sticky because Anne was out of control in so many ways (although undergoing intensive therapy for years), which often left her husband and mother in law mopping up the mess. Husband Kayo was loyal long after most would have ran full tilt for the door. And as someone growing up with an intensely volatile and self involved mother myself, believe Anne Sexton did her daughter Linda Gray (who in fact compiled these letters) a HUGE disservice by appointing her literary executor. Imagine this became an immense burden for the daughter who so resembled her mother and, if Anne had any consideration whatsoever (obviously she didn't), she would have left her daughter free and clear to develop and assert her own individuality without punishing her with homework from mum. Not to mention, all this being dumped in Linda's lap via her mother's suicide.Regardless of all the static that surrounds any discussion of the life and work of Anne Sexton, if you're into her poetry and want to know about the woman behind those fierce and forceful poems, urge you to read these letters. They are highly readable start to finish with zero fluff. They're all Anne full throttle.

It is a very good read and you see how kind, impulsive, crazy, calm, centered, frazzled, innocent, rebellious, cruel, and tender this woman is. Also, there is much said by reading between the lines of this work. She remains and is now well known as a genius to the craft, the Art of Poetry ... thanks in part to her daughter's willingness to continue to share this legacy and very intimate details of her mother's life. If you enjoy biographies or letters this ranks as number two in my top ten, second only to Steinbeck.

Anne Sexton is one of the most iconic woman poets of the mid-20th Century.

Ms.Sexton was certainly a complex creature as evidenced by this book. Is an exhibitionist a necessity in order to identify a voyeur? Ms. Sexton can be an entirely generous soul or an absolutely demanding pain in the ass. Frankly, her poetry is of a higher caliber than her inane letter writing. One can breeze through this volume without requiring much thought. I did not find this book of great interest. Being put in the position of voyeurism is not worth much money nor time. As a biography this book reaches the 2 stars.

Brand new book, even had the sales receipt from original purchaser. Look like no one has even opened it. Very pleased.

Love the book! Received it in a timely manner. Great experience!

My favorite poet.

Great products fast shipping

Gran poeta, gran lectura. El libro llegó. Inctato y a tiempo

Excellent!