Lawrence's Reading Notes

Author: D.H. Lawrence
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-12-01
Features: Novels such as "Lady Chatterley's Lover," "The Rainbow," and "Sons and Lovers" shocked the world and introduced Lawrence's talent—poetic, spiritual, vibrant, and imaginative, yet also lacking in rational depth. This talent continued in his essays and critiques, showcasing a light, humorous, and versatile style. Lawrence never stopped making controversial statements, just as he never stopped writing provocative novels. The opening essay, "On Fiction," targets Tolstoy, calling him a "veteran trickster" with a preachy intent. He also claims that Tolstoy, like other great writers, were "masculinity worshipers" beneath their passionate inspiration. The last essay in the book is also worth reading—it's a defense of his novel "Lady Chatterley's Lover." Surprisingly, he begins by complaining about piracy, suggesting that piracy has been a problem for a long time and is not limited to China. Then, he declares it to be "an honest book, a healthy book, an indispensable book of our time," his excitement evident in his words. Of course, this collection of essays is much more than just these two pieces. There are plenty of astonishing and admirable remarks to be found here as well.