A fascinating biography about a fascinating author. This volume covers her life up until her marriage, a time in which she had not yet published any of her books (although she had published magazine pieces). The work paints a picture of her as a much more gregarious figure than her current perception, I would say, with a unshaded view of her affinity for women (although her relationships with men were strong). I found myself questioning how she could, as a single woman back then, afford to live her lifestyle -- there was no discussion of her means of financial support after her father's death. I am looking forward to reading volume 2.