Play Book Tag discussion

Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett - 3 stars - My Review

PBT Comments: I found this book rather too revealing about the personal life of the author's friend. Suffice it to say I would never want a friend of mine to disclose so much to the public about my life.

This book is primarily a biography of the author’s friend and fellow writer, Lucy Grealy. Patchett and Grealy were roommates when they attended the Iowa Writers’ Workshop in 1985. Grealy had lost part of her jaw during cancer treatment in her childhood, which greatly impacted her self-image. The book covers their friendship, relationships, and writing careers, spanning almost two decades. It may have helped if I had known of Lucy Grealy beforehand. She comes across as a person with many psychological issues, and there is a lot of depressing content in this book. I think I will stick with Patchett’s fiction in the future.

This book has rumbled around in my mind since I read it many years ago so I'm interested in your perspective. I didn't know anything about Lucy either. You're right about how much personal info was revealed. I wonder if Patchett discussed this with Lucy's family? I liked the book for insights into how someone with facial deformities like Lucy had forged her life but I was sorry to read of her self-destructive behaviour

Susan wrote: "This book has rumbled around in my mind since I read it many years ago so I'm interested in your perspective. I didn't know anything about Lucy either. You're right about how much personal info was..."
It is such a tragic story. Addiction is so destructive. Lucy's sister was not happy about the book.