Part of a Long Story: Eugene O'Neill as a Young Man in Love

by Agnes Boulton

Agnes Boulton's memoir of her first two years of marriage to Eugene O'Neill was published in 1958, two years after the premiere of O'Neill's masterpiece, Long Day's Journey into Night. Contemporary critics dismissed the book as impressionistic, and it received little popular attention. Now held as a classic depicting one woman's strivings for self-representation, this new edition restores two sections previously excised for now-obsolete legal reasons. The new text features corrected misspellings and the addition of footnotes to clarify reference points and correct errors. Boulton's memoir represents an important addition to women's literature, as well as literary biography and autobiography.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

Reviews

[Mary Flenner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up not knowing anything about it, but it was beautiful and old and I liked the title. I could tell it was set in the past in early New York and was tempted to Google to see when it was published. I was surprised to see it is a memoir published in 1929, about the authors marriage to famous playwright Eugene O’Neill. The story starts out with a young girl leaving her farm behind and heading to New York City, it begins with a beautiful description of her farm, then describes an interesting bohemian writing scene and various characters at the Hell Hole bar.... then it quickly becomes solely about Eugene O’Neill. Largely his daily schedule and writing process. If you are a Eugene O’Neill fan you would probably find it interesting. She does include some of his inspiration. But I want to ask Agnes what is going on with her throughout this story. What is she feeling? What does she like and not like? I want to hear about the divorce and her child. There are a few little teasers throughout the book to keep you interested though. It also just sort of ends... I feel like I need more! But I suppose it is just PART of a long story.... It did reveal a whole new world to me I didn’t really know about previously. I want to visit Provincetown and read Long Days Journey Into Night.... or at least rent it. :)

[Ed Patterson]

Heart-wrenching and heart-felt. There's two writers colliding, caressing and clashing with love: the sea, New York, Province town & life. Agnes gave her best with O'Neill, and her writing showed so much more.