If you're looking for a an answer to the question as to why great writers drink you won't get it from this book--And that is one of the book's strengths. But if you're interested in how alcohol figured into the personal and literary lives of these six great authors (Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Berryman, Cheever, Carver, and Tennessee Williams) then you will not be disappointed. The book provides many potential explanations of why these authors may have succumb to excessive drinking and incontrovertible evidence as to its consequences. But more important than causes and consequences is the empathy one comes to feel for each of them, which Laing artfully elicits through her sensitive treatment of their lives--as sons, lovers, parents, professionals, colleagues and friends. Juxtaposed against Laing's personal journey, I found this to be a moving and compelling work. I really enjoyed the first half of this book and learnt a lot about some favourite writers, like Tennessee Williams, that I didn't know before. I also enjoyed the physical journey of the writer from NY down to New Orleans then on to Florida, but after that I felt the book lost it's way somewhat, as if it wasn't sure of it's aim any more and got bogged down in maudlin tales of failed recovery and bloated journeys along the 12 Steps. Nonetheless I feel it's worth the read for the first half of the journey alone. Interesting to note that so many alcoholic writers were apparently obsessed with swimming. Love Tennessee's line that writing is like swimming whilst holding your breath. Gonna got for a swim now, then maybe a drink. Hopefully a poem will come of it...
Do You like book The Trip To Echo Spring (2013)?
Loved it. Beautiful blend of criticism and memoir. Made me want to read Cheever and Hemingway.
—palasenbulya
really enjoyed it. if you are interested in drinking or just writers, it's interesting.
—Bing
