The Man Who Would Marry Susan Sontag and Other Intimate Literary Portraits of the Bohemian Era : Book Review

"The Man Who Would Marry Susan Sontag and Other Intimate Literary Portraits of the Bohemian Era" by Edward Field is a collection of personal essays that immerses readers into the lives of influential figures from the bohemian era. Field, an esteemed poet, shares intimate and often amusing anecdotes about his encounters with renowned literary icons like Susan Sontag, Frank O'Hara, and Allen Ginsberg.

Field excels at bringing his subjects to life through his writing style, which is engaging and conversational. Reading his book feels like having a casual conversation with the author himself. Field's deep admiration for these literary figures shines through, and his personal connections with them add authenticity to each portrait.

Each essay offers a fascinating and insightful perspective on the personalities and idiosyncrasies of these individuals. Field captures the essence of these bohemian icons with great wit and finesse, showcasing Susan Sontag's strength of character and Frank O'Hara's irreverent charm. What sets this collection apart is Field's inclusion of his own personal experiences, providing a glimpse into the human side of these larger-than-life figures.

Beyond the captivating character studies, Field also explores the cultural and societal backdrop of the bohemian era. He delves into topics such as the rise of the Beat Generation, the influence of social and political movements, and the challenges faced by artists during this transformative time. This contextualization adds depth and richness to the narratives, turning the book into not just a collection of personal portraits but also a compelling historical account.

In conclusion, "The Man Who Would Marry Susan Sontag and Other Intimate Literary Portraits of the Bohemian Era" is a captivating read that offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of influential literary figures. With its engaging writing style, authentic perspectives, and historical context, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the bohemian era or the lives of these iconic personalities.

What are readers saying?

"The Man Who Would Marry Susan Sontag and Other Intimate Literary Portraits of the Bohemian Era" by Edward Field has garnered mixed reviews. While some readers found the candid and vivid portrayals of famous bohemian figures to be engaging and authentic, others believed that the book lacked depth and structure.

Many reviewers applauded the book for its intimate glimpses into the lives of prominent figures from the bohemian era. They enjoyed the author's personal anecdotes and firsthand accounts, which added an extra layer of authenticity to the narratives. Edward Field's unique perspective provided readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of writers, artists, and intellectuals, a feature that was particularly appreciated.

However, some readers felt that the book suffered from a lack of structure and coherence. They found the collection of portraits to be disjointed and lacking a unifying theme, which detracted from their overall reading experience. Despite the intriguing content, these readers struggled to stay engaged and connected to the stories being told.

Another criticism raised by reviewers was the brevity of the portraits. While some appreciated the concise and focused writing style, others found themselves craving more detailed and in-depth character sketches. They desired additional context and background information to fully understand and appreciate the individuals being depicted.

Additionally, some readers noted that the author's personal experiences occasionally overshadowed the subjects themselves. This aspect left them feeling less connected to the bohemian figures and desiring a more extensive exploration of their lives and contributions to the era.

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