Joanna Biggs, former editor at the LRB and deputy editor of the Yale Review, discusses the legendary Marguerite Yourcenar, the first woman in the Académie Française. They delve into 'Memoirs of Hadrian', exploring its emotional depth, themes of love and sacrifice, and its cultural significance. Biggs highlights Yourcenar’s aristocratic roots and her connections with other female writers. The conversation also reflects on how personal artifacts shape cultural identity, revealing the timeless nature of human experiences throughout history.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Unique Aristocratic Upbringing
Marguerite Yourcenar had a unique childhood between France and Belgium with an aristocratic father who read books with her instead of sending her to school.
This unusual upbringing suited her perfectly for a life of writing extraordinary novels.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Alexis Novel's Gentle Breakup
Yourcenar's novel Alexis is a long letter from a man explaining why he left his wife, revealing his dislike of women.
The letter uses natural metaphors like apples falling, making the painful message gentle and deeply felt.
insights INSIGHT
Inhabiting Hadrian's Persona
Yourcenar deeply inhabits historical characters like Hadrian, blending research and imagination.
Hadrian is a suitable figure since historical sources are sparse and lend themselves well to fiction.
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In 'Memoirs of Hadrian', Marguerite Yourcenar crafts a poignant and introspective narrative of the Roman Emperor's life. The novel is presented as a letter to Marcus Aurelius, reflecting on Hadrian's experiences, from his early fascination with Greek culture to his tumultuous reign and personal tragedies, including the mysterious death of his beloved Antinous. Through Hadrian's reflections, Yourcenar delves into themes of power, love, and the human condition.
The Abyss
Max Hastings
Max Hastings' "The Abyss" offers a comprehensive account of the Cuban Missile Crisis, exploring the intricate political and military dynamics that shaped the thirteen-day standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union. The book delves into the decision-making processes of both superpowers, highlighting the immense pressure and potential for catastrophic consequences. Hastings masterfully weaves together historical accounts, personal anecdotes, and insightful analysis to provide a gripping narrative of this pivotal moment in Cold War history. The author's meticulous research and engaging writing style make "The Abyss" an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of international relations and the precarious balance of power during the Cold War. The book serves as a reminder of the importance of diplomacy and the devastating potential of nuclear conflict.
Marguerite Yourcenar entered the Académie Française in 1981, the first woman to be admitted. Her novel Memoirs of Hadrian, published thirty years earlier, is ‘often considered the best French novel of the 20th century’, as Joanna Biggs wrote in a recent issue of the LRB. In this episode of the podcast, Joanna joins Tom to discuss Yourcenar’s life and work, and what makes Memoirs of Hadrian – a reimagining of the life of the Roman emperor – such a good book.
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