Henry and June
Back of the Book
Taken from the original, uncensored journals of Anaïs Nin, Henry and June spans a single year in Nin's life when she discovers love and torment in one insatiable couple. From late 1931 to the end of 1932, Nin falls in love with Henry Miller's writing and his wife June's striking beauty. When June leaves Paris for New York, Henry and Anaïs begin a fiery affair that liberates her sexually and morally, but also undermines her marriage and eventually leads her into psychoanalysis. As she grapples with her own conscience, a single question dominates her thoughts: What will happen when June returns to Paris? An intimate account of one woman's sexual awakening, Henry and June exposes the pain and pleasure felt by a single person trapped between two loves
We Love It Because
The true fascination presented by a look into the heart of the private correspondence between Nin and Henry Miller is the sparring of their intelligence, shining through in every sentence. Whilst the menage-a-trois has become a common hook for many narratives about bored 20 somethings looking to understand the complexities of the marital bond through a particularly interesting couple, Henry and June presents it in the flesh, as it was - hedonistic, full of yearning for something you can experience but never possess.
Memorable Passage
There are two ways to reach me: by way of kisses or by way of the imagination. But there is a hierarchy: the kisses alone don't work.
About the Author
Anais Nin (1903–1977) was a French-Cuban-American diarist, essayist, and writer of short stories and erotica, celebrated for her unparalleled ability to capture the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Born in Paris, Nin moved to the United States at a young age and later became associated with the literary and artistic circles of Paris in the 1930s. Her expansive and revealing diaries, which span several decades, provide an intimate and introspective look into her own life, artistic pursuits, and relationships with notable figures like Henry Miller. Nin's evocative prose and fearless exploration of sensuality and desire challenged societal norms, paving the way for a more open discussion of sexuality in literature. She is worth knowing not only for her literary contributions but also for her role in pushing the boundaries of self-expression and her enduring influence on feminist literature. Anais Nin remains a figure of fascination and inspiration for those drawn to the intersection of art, love, and personal introspection.
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