Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
This powerful yet graceful intellectual autobiography by one of France's leading writers was first published in 1977 but only now appears in English. Employing a simple, concrete style that belies the subtlety of his thought, Tournier describes his traumatic childhood in a ``fiercely antiphysical society,'' his adolescence during the Nazi occupation, his postwar (and lifelong) love affair with German philosophy, the metaphysical underpinnings of his prize-winning novels, The Ogre and Friday , and his study of the psychology of twins. Mixed in with this narrative are often profound reflections on such themes as the great philosophers, especially Leibniz; the mythic dimension of Robinson Crusoe ; the distinction between Socialism and Communism; and the symbolism of the island and the garden. Much of the book's excitement comes from its power to make readers rethink their assumptions. (Nov.)
Wind Spirit: An Autobiography
by Michel TournierEditorial Reviews
Library Journal - Library Journal
The reader of this well-translated autobiography falls quickly under the charm of Tournier's narrative, which blends personal memories with historical and literary commentary. Reminiscences of childhood and World War II are followed by detailed accounts of his literary career and his interest in ``Germanistik.'' However, Tournier here recounts very selective slices of his life, and his ``open ending'' entices the reader to turn to his novels, essays, and children's stories, where mythology and philosophy are skillfully interwoven. A rewarding work by the winner of two prestigious literary prizes and juror for the Prix Goncourt.Danielle Mihram, New York Univ. Lib. note: The publication of Margaret Walker's 8 Daemonic Genius , reviewed in LJ 11/1/87, was delayed until this year. The book, which was to have been published by Dodd, Mead, was made available this fall by Warner Books/Amistad Press.
Product Details
- ISBN-13:
- 9780807070406
- Publisher:
- Beacon
- Publication date:
- 11/28/1988
- Pages:
- 292
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