The House by the Sea: A Journal [Paperback]

May Sarton (Author), Beverly Hallam (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1995

This is the first journal Sarton wrote after she moved in 1973 from New Hampshire to the seacoast of Maine.

Here she found the peace and aloneness she sought—and partly feared. The journal records the renewing of her life and work in this place.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

May Sarton (1912-1995) was an acclaimed poet, novelist, and memoirist.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393313905
• ISBN-13: 978-0393313901
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #337,798 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

May Sarton is the pen name of Eleanore Marie Sarton (May 3, 1912 - July 16, 1995), an American poet, novelist, and memoirist. Her parents were science historian George Sarton and his wife, the English artist Mabel Eleanor Elwes. In 1915, her family moved to Boston, Massachusetts. She went to school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and started theatre lessons in her late teens. In 1945 she met her partner for the next thirteen years, Judy Matlack, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They separated in 1956, when Sarton's father died and Sarton moved to Nelson, New Hampshire. Honey in the Hive (1988) is about their relationship. Sarton later moved to York, Maine. She died of breast cancer on July 16, 1995. She is buried in Nelson, New Hampshire.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A House by the Sea, May 24, 2000

By 

"reader_123" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The House by the Sea: A Journal (Paperback)

Simply a superb observation of everyday in an idyllic setting by an insightful and honest author. I agree with other reviewers that May Sarton's best work is in her journals. She allows herself to have all of her emotions, unabashedly vulnerable as they occur. She beautifully describes simple things we miss in our everyday life yet also explores to the innermost layers some of the complexities and ponderous questions life brings. I was fortunate to find a brief biography of May Sarton in a used bookstore some 15 years ago and she became an important part of my inner life since then. I have framed on my desk a card she wrote in response to letter from me. A gracious, courageous but very real woman who gave much to her art.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book to be savored, February 16, 2000

By 

Dona Ryan (Maine!) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The House by the Sea: A Journal (Paperback)

Gina -- like you I just discoverd May Sarton with A House By the Sea. I loved every word, every page. She expressed to me how hard it is to be aging, to be alone, to be an artist but she also showed how to LIVE and savor each day, each moment. I loved the joy she took in the little things of life. I wanted to be there with her, a silent companion. What a wonderful book, one I will share with all my friends and keep to go back to all my life.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Most Interesting Read, January 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The House by the Sea: A Journal (Paperback)

The House by the Sea: A Journal

After Nelson, New Hampshire, Sarton sought what she thought would be a totally "different" life as far as neighbors, company and the like in York, Maine. She was in her mind seeking "personal space". In this succinct journal Ms. Sarton chronicles her "new home" and life in Maine with often great detail and a wide range of emotions. While I am not particularly found of Journals, this one drew me in. I, too, yearn for the harsh ocean environment that the house at York afforded Sarton; the seasons; working in the garden(s);and, relaxing in those veranda recliners and gazing out over the field of tall grass to the ocean(glass of wine in hand). A most excellent piece. If you are not a Sarton reader, this will bring you into the fold.