Book Review: Diary of Anais Nin, Vol. 1

The Diary of Anaïs Nin, Vol. 1: 1931-1934 by Anaïs Nin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This volume, at least, isn't the kind of diary that's filled with details about time and place--in this particular case, Paris in 1831-34. But in terms of character studies--of Henry and June Miller, Anais Nin's father and Nin herself, in particular, along with Nin's two therapists from this time period, and one of her brothers--this is priceless stuff. She is much more interested in the emotional landscape of her world, and the details of what's happening and when it's happening are barely touched upon (there's no mention of her husband, who asked to be removed from the journals, and a pregnancy comes out of nowhere and while there are hints of the incestuous relationship between Nin and her father, it's so veiled you really have to read between the lines--very skinny lines with not much space separating them--you suspect it, but it's only the affirmation of later journals that makes it clear).

She spends a lot of time writing about artists and art, and the relationship between real life and a writer's imagination, all of which is fascinating. Her ardency and intensity come across very strongly--this was an unusual and intelligent woman who is always interesting. One can see why men and women were so taken with her. And what she has to say about the artist's internal world is very revealing and articulate.



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