You know that I love an NYRB Classic, and lament how often their beautiful editions aren’t available this side of the pond – so it was lovely to get a review copy of More Was Lost by Eleanor Perenyi. It’s a poignant, warm, captivating memoir. But read the introduction last. Promise me you’ll read the introduction later.
Here’s the start of my review; read the rest over at Shiny New Books.
If you’re anything like me, you might be unfamiliar with the political dynamics of Hungary and Czechoslovakia in the years leading up to the Second World War. They form the backdrop to this involving and poignant memoir that manages to combine the personal and the global in an extraordinary way: More Was Lost, published in 1946 and now clothed in the loveliness of a NYRB Classics edition.
I loved this book too – and I agree. This is *definitely* a case for reading the introduction after the book! :)
I sort of wish I hadn’t read it all, now! Those final words of the memoir were so perfect.
Isn’t it always the case ? I have just finished The Slaves of S (thank you Simon, once more !) and David Lodge’s interesting but too short introduction completely gives the “plot” away, which is inevitable with a good, literary introduction, don’t you think ?
As for NYRB classics, they can be bought on line, from TBD, for example, and many others. You can even find second hand copies on A…..n. You don’t have to make a habit of it ; ).
Hurrah for The Slaves of Solitude! So good. But yes, I never, never read an introduction first.
I always thought NYRBs (of the ones not available here) were super pricey on TBD et al – but I will go hunting…
Oh, I do love a memoir, I’ll have to try and read this soon.
Me too :) I’ve read quite a few childhood memoirs soon, but not many about parts of adult life.