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112th out of 157 books
—
35 voters
Wild Heart: A Life: Natalie Clifford Barney and the Decadence of Literary Paris
Born in 1876, Natalie Barney-beautiful, charismatic, brilliant and wealthy-was expected to marry well and lead the conventional life of a privileged society woman. But Natalie had no interest in marriage and made no secret of the fact that she was attracted to women. Brought up by a talented and rebellious mother-the painter Alice Barney-Natalie cultivated an interest in p...more
Paperback, 448 pages
Published
September 23rd 2003
by Harper Perennial
(first published October 1st 2002)
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I'm not usually enthusiastic about reading biographies, but I thought this one was captivating, and it has motivated me to read more about some of the people in Natalie Barney's life.
This tome does more than illuminate the life of Natalie Barney; Rodriguez also must journey into the historical events which took place during her long life (1876-1972), the fascinating and famous people who surrounded her, and the culture of the upperclass.
As I read, I found that there were so many anecdotes I'd wa...more
This tome does more than illuminate the life of Natalie Barney; Rodriguez also must journey into the historical events which took place during her long life (1876-1972), the fascinating and famous people who surrounded her, and the culture of the upperclass.
As I read, I found that there were so many anecdotes I'd wa...more
Absolutely amazing book! If you are interested in the Belle Epoque or literary Paris during the 1920's and 1930's this is THE book to start with. It takes you on a tour of 2 time periods and how the Belle Epoque had no other way to end but in the glittering society that World War 1 left. How no other place but Paris could have held so many literary talents and stars. And how this one woman brought them all together in one literary salon that lasted for 60 years is... amazing. A tour de force of...more
I picked up this book because the cover appealed to my love of the Victorian. And promptly fell head over heels for Natalie, her amazing wit, daring and charisma, even before she managed, at only 23, to seduce the Liane D'Pougy the most famous of courtesan of the time. Natalie and Renee Vivien defined my last two years in college.
I found this quite a good biography of a fascinating woman. It's perhaps not quite as unbiased as one could wish, as Rodriguez's deep admiration for Barney is very apparent, but she does make every effort to examine fairly Barney's faults (such as her unfaithfulness and occasional anti-Semitism) as well as her strengths.
The author obviously admires all aspects of Nathalie Barney. She even tries to excuse the frequent
anti-semitic fragments that come up in her writings. She finds Nathalie very intelligent, which is
somewhat inconsistent with Nathalie's professed interest in numerology. Instead of intelligent, I'd
rather call Miss Barney quick-witted, a capability that was highly admired in the salons of the
time. On the other hand, one has to appreciate how Ms Barney openly came out for her sexual preferences
and act...more
anti-semitic fragments that come up in her writings. She finds Nathalie very intelligent, which is
somewhat inconsistent with Nathalie's professed interest in numerology. Instead of intelligent, I'd
rather call Miss Barney quick-witted, a capability that was highly admired in the salons of the
time. On the other hand, one has to appreciate how Ms Barney openly came out for her sexual preferences
and act...more
An incredible biography, about one of the most fascinating and least known historical figures of the 19th/20th Century.
Natalie Barney Clifford was an incredible Poet, Writer, Hostess , Lover, Patron, Feminist & out Lesbian.
Among many other things that it was considered ;
Extraordinary , impossible or even abhorrent for a women to be, in that particular period in history.
Her life story illustrates times and places
(1870's- 1960's) - (Ohio ,Washington, Paris, Florence)
That are often skipped ov...more
Natalie Barney Clifford was an incredible Poet, Writer, Hostess , Lover, Patron, Feminist & out Lesbian.
Among many other things that it was considered ;
Extraordinary , impossible or even abhorrent for a women to be, in that particular period in history.
Her life story illustrates times and places
(1870's- 1960's) - (Ohio ,Washington, Paris, Florence)
That are often skipped ov...more
A very interesting account about a very interesting lady.
Natalie Clifford Barney, born in Dayton, Ohio in 1876 in a wealthy family was, from the start, a free spirit. She lived her life defying society's conventions. She lived openly, never hiding or giving excuses for being a lesbian or feminist or for her dreams as a writer. She refused to marry and instead moved to Paris in the early 1900s where she would live for the rest of her life.
I can't recall where I first came across Barney's name, bu...more
Natalie Clifford Barney, born in Dayton, Ohio in 1876 in a wealthy family was, from the start, a free spirit. She lived her life defying society's conventions. She lived openly, never hiding or giving excuses for being a lesbian or feminist or for her dreams as a writer. She refused to marry and instead moved to Paris in the early 1900s where she would live for the rest of her life.
I can't recall where I first came across Barney's name, bu...more
view all 3 comments
I don't usually go for biographies, but I can't put this one down. NCB's story is fascinating. She was a feminist and a thinker far ahead of her time, and a strong individual woman during a time when women were lauded for their obedience. It is astonishing and inspiring to read about the social obstacles and prejudices she stared down. I feel cynical, however, because as I read about not just her ideas but also her background, it strikes me that her wealthy upbringing and associated sense of ent...more
Compelling Biography about a little known, but highly influential woman in the literary world. The book read like a narrative, dynamic and seamless.
A fascinating look at a little known but highly influential American writer/socialite.
Feb 22, 2013
jess
marked it as to-read
recommended by Jennie Benford
Anybody who's interested in Paris Salons, turn-of-the-century lesbian culture, the writing of Proust, Colette, STein,Djuna Barnes...and all the others circulating in Paris at the time would enjoy this bio. Natalie Barney shows up as character in dozens of novels and memoirs of the era because she was such a phenomenon...need I mention the one night she made 18 conquests???
May 09, 2010
Lord Beardsley
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fans of the 1920s and bitchiness
This is a very accesible biography of Natalie Barney. From what I've heard, it's also one of the best. It reads more like literary fiction than a biography and makes an excellent companion piece to Truly Wilde, the biography of Dolly Wilde. Read this if you're interested in literate lesbians, flappers, Paris in the 1920s. A great book to plan to read on your next trip to Paris!
I got completely absorbed by the life story of Natlie Barney and really couldn't put the book down. Rodriguez vividly described the adventurous, fearless spirit of Barney. The complexity of her relationships was also completely fascinating to me.
The world's greatest lesbian lothario that no one has ever heard of. The author transports us to Natalie Barney's spoiled Parisian expat world of lesbian artists, scandal, privilege, and literary fame. Juicy!
very informative biography, but rodriguez sometimes fell into worship mode with her subject so that her praise of barney became almost nauseating at times.
Fascinating life of a woman perhaps overlooked for her contributions to the literary life of Paris, esp through her salon. Couldn't put it down.
Dec 29, 2007
Patricia
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Readers of History, Paris Salons, 20s Europe
I've read alot about Natalie Clifford Barney and Parisian salons during the 20s. This biography has more depth to it than earlier books on her life.
interesting enough subject matter, not so interestingly written.
One of THE most fascinating people I have ever read about.
May 03, 2013
Bucket
marked it as to-read
Apr 29, 2013
Michelle Cristiani
marked it as to-read
Apr 08, 2013
Dara
marked it as to-read
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