Title: The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas
Author: Gertrude Stein
First published January 1, 1933
252 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780679724636 (ISBN10: 067972463X)
Rating: 3.55
Overview
Gertrude Stein’s The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas is a captivating portrayal of the bohemian life in Paris during the early 20th century, as seen through the eyes of Toklas, Stein’s lover.
The book offers a glimpse into the artistic milieu of the time, with appearances by luminaries such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Paul Cézanne. The couple’s experiences during the war years are also detailed, as they volunteer for the American Fund for the French Wounded and travel around France helping the wounded and displaced.
The book also sheds light on the literary and social circles of the time, with appearances by T.S. Eliot, Sherwood Anderson, and Ernest Hemingway. Written with the intention of making money, the book was a commercial success, though it drew criticism from some of those depicted within.
About the Author
Meet Gertrude Stein, an American writer who spent most of her life in France and played a pivotal role in the development of modern art and literature. Two relationships marked her life: the first with her brother, Leo Stein, which lasted from 1874 to 1914; and the second with Alice B.
Toklas, from 1907 until Stein’s passing in 1946. Stein’s salon at 27 rue de Fleurus in Paris was initially shared by Leo and later by Alice.
Over the years, Stein fostered meaningful connections with well-known members of the avant-garde artistic and literary world of her era.
Editoral Review
The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein is a classic piece of literature, first published in 1933, and remains a timeless masterpiece.
Stein was an American writer who spent most of her life in Paris, where she was an influential part of the modernist movement. Her writing was avant-garde, pioneering, and bold, characterized by stream of consciousness, repetition, and rhythmic patterns.
She inspired many writers and artists, who saw her as a mentor and friend, including Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas is a unique book, written from the perspective of Toklas, Stein’s partner, and muse.
It offers an intimate account of their life together in Paris, from the early 1900s to the early 1930s, and is both a memoir and a work of fiction. The book is full of vivid descriptions of people and places, portraits of famous figures, and reflections on art, literature, and culture.
It is also a love story, an ode to friendship, and a celebration of life. The plot of The Autobiography of Alice B.
Toklas follows the couple as they navigate the French art scene, attend literary salons, travel to the countryside, and entertain guests at their home. The main characters are Toklas and Stein, who are portrayed in great detail, with all their quirks, idiosyncrasies, and contradictions.
The setting is mostly Paris, but includes other locations in France, Spain, and Italy. The conflicts are primarily internal, as the two women struggle with their own insecurities, ambitions, and desires, as well as external, as they confront the challenges of being independent, unconventional, and gay in a conservative society.
The historical and cultural significance of The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas cannot be overstated.
It captures a pivotal moment in the history of art and literature, when Paris was the epicenter of a creative explosion that challenged traditional norms and values. Stein was at the forefront of this movement, and her writing reflects its spirit, its energy, and its radical vision.
The book also raises important questions about gender, sexuality, and identity, which are still relevant and pressing today. The strength of The Autobiography of Alice B.
Toklas lies in its prose, which is both poetic and playful, and in its characterization, which is both nuanced and relatable. Stein’s language is hypnotic and evocative, drawing the reader into a world of sensations and impressions.
Her portrayal of Toklas and Stein is sensitive and insightful, revealing their complex personalities and their deep bond. The pacing of the book is leisurely, allowing the reader to savor each moment, and the plot structure is loose, allowing for digressions and diversions.
The themes of the book are varied, ranging from art to love, from freedom to convention, and from memory to imagination. The weakness of The Autobiography of Alice B.
Toklas is its opacity, which may be off-putting to some readers. Stein’s writing can be cryptic and elliptical, and her style may be challenging to decipher.
The book also lacks a traditional narrative arc, and may seem meandering or fragmentary to those who prefer a more linear plot. Additionally, Stein’s portrayal of other characters in the book is often limited and superficial, leaving the reader wanting more.
Overall, The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, art, or history.
It is a beautiful, haunting, and unforgettable book, that will stay with the reader long after they have finished it. It deserves the highest praise, and a rating of 5 stars.
