Journal of a Solitude by May Sarton

Bookseller: Erik
Publisher & Year Published: W. W. Norton & Company, 1992
Book Title: Journal of a Solitude
Author: May Sarton
Genre: Memoir, Women’s Liberation & Histories
Series: No

Favorite Quote or Scene: "I always forget how important the empty days are, how important it may be sometimes not to expect to produce anything, even a few lines in a journal."

Gist: Sarton's classic memoir explores a year of living in rural New Hampshire and finding a balance between obligations and the life of a writer.

What you expected vs reality? I read this first about two decades ago and I was enchanted once again by her insights and her musings. I'm much closer in age to when she wrote this, so certain parts were more meaningful.

Takeaways & Reflections: She explores the fine line between solitude and loneliness beautifully. The feminist, queer, and antiracist commentaries are slightly dated but overall relatable. I'd forgotten how much she also writes about having time for rest and renewal after social activities. It can be so exhausting being around people, even loved ones.

Who would you recommend this to? Poets and writers. Anyone struggling with loneliness. Readers interested in LGBTQ history.