And So Did I

by Malachi Whittaker

A book decades ahead of its time, And So Did I established a new model for the memoir, one built from moments of intense observation, candid self-reflection, courageous honesty, and irrepressible humor. It opens with the comedy of a man being struck by an automobile and walking away unscathed and cascades through a year's worth of incidents and encounters that reveal Whitaker's resilient spirit and fine-honed understanding of people, their quirks, weaknesses, and charms.

Genres: Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 1987

Reviews

[McKenna]

A very comforting, philosophical book about life’s simple pleasures, the search for God, and war trauma.

I find this book fascinating because it was written in 1938, and while it briefly discusses the horror of living through World War 1, it also seems to anticipate World War 2. Whitaker talks about Communism and Fascism, and how she is one of millions who want no part in either.

Whitaker’s meandering thoughts about life and gratitude are lovely and poignant, yet I found the undercurrent of war and uncertainty to be unsettling, especially given our political climate now.

I enjoyed this book but I think the history around it is even more interesting to read about.

[Christina Gore]

Loved this book. Malachi is witty, amusing and writes beautifully. I discovered her book at the Ilkley Literature Festival last year when Valerie Waterhouse came to talk to us.

[Tosh]

Here is my review of this remarkable memoir by Malachi Whitaker. Read it here: https://open.substack.com/pub/tosh/p/...

[Laura]

A really strange collection of writings - some incredibly modern insights however most of it I was left wondering why I was reading it. Shall persevere with her short stories they may make more sense.

[Penny Harvey]

A journal from the 1930s. An interesting read. It was a short book and only covered a couple of years so would have been good to read more about her life between the wars.