Flaw in the mirror

Author: (Australian) White, translated by Li Yao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-01-01
Features: Patrick White's "Self-Portrait" consists of three parts. The first part is a concise recollection of his early life, his relationships with family and friends, and how he, through relentless effort, became a writer. White wrote this part with his characteristic sharpness, wisdom, and always questioning, emotionally complex style. He depicted his past friends, enemies, and significant events in extremely concise language. The second part narrates a series of travels in Greece. There, White found his spiritual home, and his tone became softer, more objective, and more emotionally rich. The third part, "Reminiscences and Reflections," is like a photo album documenting White's current life. He is ruthless toward his enemies but generous and forgiving toward his friends. Through his analysis of the morally fallen friends—Sir John Kerr, the former Governor-General of Australia, and his wife, Lady Kerr, as well as the renowned Australian painter Sidney Nolan—White criticizes the overall moral mediocrity of Australian society. Mirror Imperfections is a brilliant writer's outstanding, original, and sincere "self-portrait." In this book, White's comments on his family, life, and all of humanity may be somewhat harsh, but they still radiate a belief in and praise for truth and love.