The Selected Letters, Vol. 2: 1945-1957 : Book Review

"The Selected Letters, Vol. 2" by Tennessee Williams presents readers with a captivating glimpse into the personal correspondence of the distinguished playwright. This collection of letters provides a unique window into Williams' creative process, personal relationships, and struggles with fame and mental health. Spanning several decades, from the 1940s to the early 1980s, these letters showcase Williams' wit, vulnerability, and relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.

Throughout the book, readers are privy to Williams' ongoing conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, including notable figures such as Marlon Brando and Gore Vidal. These exchanges offer a fascinating exploration of the complex relationships that influenced Williams' life and work. Moreover, the letters shed light on the challenges Williams faced as a gay man in a time when homosexuality was deeply stigmatized.

Williams' letters also reveal his unwavering dedication to his craft. From candid descriptions of his writing process to his opinions on various works, readers gain valuable insights into the mind of a literary genius. Additionally, the collection examines the profound connection between Williams' personal experiences and the characters and themes found in his renowned plays such as "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."

"The Selected Letters, Vol. 2" not only delves into Williams' artistic endeavors but also provides a poignant exploration of his struggles with mental health and addiction. The letters serve as a testament to Williams' perseverance in the face of personal demons and offer a sobering depiction of the toll these struggles took on his life and work. Through these correspondences, readers gain a deeper understanding of the intricate forces that both fueled and hindered Williams' creative output.

In conclusion, "The Selected Letters, Vol. 2" offers an intimate and comprehensive portrait of the life and work of Tennessee Williams. With its richly detailed and emotionally charged correspondences, this book serves as a valuable resource for fans, scholars, and anyone interested in delving into the mind of one of America's greatest playwrights.

What are readers saying?

The reception of Tennessee Williams' The Selected Letters, Vol. 2 has been diverse. While some readers praised the book for its valuable glimpse into the esteemed playwright's personal life and creative process, others found it lacking in substance and relevance.

A significant number of reviewers appreciated the insight provided by the letters into Tennessee Williams' personal life. They found his correspondence with friends, family, and fellow writers to be captivating and enlightening. Readers enjoyed gaining a deeper understanding of his struggles, passions, and relationships. Furthermore, many even mentioned that the letters shed light on the inspiration behind Williams' iconic plays.

On the other hand, some reviewers felt that The Selected Letters, Vol. 2 lacked substance. They found the letters to be repetitive and self-indulgent, failing to significantly contribute to the readers' comprehension of Williams' works or his literary genius. These individuals expressed disappointment in the lack of depth and impact within the letters, leading to an overall unsatisfying reading experience.

Critics of the book also expressed frustration with its structure and organization. They found it difficult to follow the chronology of the letters and desired a clearer overview of the time period being covered. Additionally, some reviewers felt that the inclusion of certain letters seemed arbitrary, resulting in a disjointed reading experience.

Opinions concerning the extensive footnotes and annotations in the book were divided. While some readers appreciated the additional context provided by these annotations, others found them excessive and distracting. They believed that the footnotes disrupted the flow of the letters and preferred a more streamlined approach. This divergence of opinion suggests that the book's editorial choices may not suit the preferences of all readers.

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