Customer Reviews

Wild Heart: A Life: Natalie Clifford Barney and the Decadence of Literary Paris

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This well written, well constructed and well researched biography of Natalie Clifford Barney was one of the more satisfying works in this genre that I have read in recent years. Ms. Barney, who is now unfortunately forgotten for the most part, was one of the more colorful, influential and interesting characters this country produced during the late 1800s until the time of her death in 1972. While some of her personal literary works might be called into question, although I must say, she was not half bad, the impact she had upon literary Paris during a crucial four or five decades cannot be ignored.

One of my primary literary interests centers upon the group of men and women known, per Gertrude Stein, as the "Lost Generation." To understand this group of writers, to understand the influences that guided their pens, it is imperative, in my opinion, to know of what occurred before their arrival on the scene. There is no doubt what so ever that that Natalie Barney was a major player in this epic, and therefore a major influence on what, again, in my opinion, was the Golden Age of the American novel.

Secondly, I have a fascination for odd historical characters, those that chose to follow a different drummer so to speak, and have added so much to our culture, even if we are not aware of it. As an example, I have spent years reading and collecting biographies of Sir. Richard Burton, the famed English explorer, linguist and professional rebel and reading his works. These characters attract and fascinate me. Miss Barney fits this category in spades.

Natalie Barney realized and became aware of the fact at a very early age that she was sexually attracted to women and not men. Her first major seduction was that of Eva Palmer, when she was seventeen and shortly after that she went to Paris where the popular and leading courtesan Liane de Pougy quickly became her next major conquest and her long time lover (among many, many others, many quite famous and well known). Throughout her life, Barney had literally hundreds of lovers; some were long time affairs, some short of duration lasting no more than one evening. The fact that she was a lesbian is important on at least two fronts. She seemed to have a hypnotic effect on women (and men to, for that matter), although being filthy rich, extremely good looking, and mentally brilliant, certainly did not hurt. First, she not only "came out" in an era where this type of behavior simply was not acceptable, but in addition, she actually flaunted it. Secondly, it is important because her lesbianism was a central aspect of her being. To understand her, we must understand this aspect of her life.

Miss Barney grew up in a very privileged family, i.e. she and her families were rich, very, very rich. This pretty much allowed her to do things and live a life style that was impossible for someone without almost unlimited wealth. This carried through until the day she died. She simply never had to worry about financial problems and in fact lead a life of extreme indulgence. It would be unjust of refer to her as a dilettante though. She did write, she did participate in the happenings of literary Paris during this period and did establish what can arguably be noted at the most influential literary salons in Paris during an age where these institutions were quite important to the art and literature of that time. This salon existed and was influential until the time of her death. She was also a very outspoken spokesperson for the woman's right movement which was beginning to grow legs at that time and gained much momentum.

Now take note: This work is got, despite what some may say, a gossipy book filled with little stories about lesbian affairs. It is a very scholarly work (thank goodness) and the author treats the subject matter with wonderful sensitivity and good taste. I found there to be little sensationalism to this work, so if you are looking for that type of reading, you had best go elsewhere. The book is also simply packed with references to authors and the works of authors, French for the most part, as that is where Natalie spent almost her entire life, which few remember today. I must admit that French literature and the history of French literature represents almost a black hole in my education. I simply have ignored it for years. Through this book I have been able to add at least 40 books and a like number of authors I want to read and explore before I run of time. I will never get it all done, but hey, as long as I have my list....who knows?

It should also be noted that Natalie Barney was a very flawed individual. Politically she was extremely naïve and she had a cruel cold streak in her for which she was famous and notorious. She was extremely sexually promiscuous and seemed to be absolutely incapable of being monogamous, even into here late seventies. She was a terrible snob, gave her many servants absolute grief, and was extremely class conscious, to the point of absurdity, even by the standards of those days. She could be thoughtless toward those she loved and actually ruined the lives of quite a number of women.

All in all, once I started this work, I simply could not put it down. Natalie Barney is one of those forgotten characters that should not be forgotten. She was unique, did contribute much to our culture and we really should not forget people like this. This is an excellent, well written and informative read and should be added to your own "list."

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

Couldn't believe I liked it so much. Fascinating. As one review said it spans "the backdrop of two different societies, Victorian America and Belle Époque Europe," and I might add many different phases of 20th century history, including the World Wars. It was a long book and I was wondering how much one could say about an avant-garde lesbian, but then the period was so rich and Natalie personified much of what was interesting about it.

I couldn't put this book down. More than that I was astonished by the amount of research and historical accuracy done in a novelistic form. Not only interesting and intriguing, but the author brought this unique era alive. Her forte, obviously is 20's Paris and the characters inhabiting this lost time. I hope her first book, Found Meals of the Lost Generation comes back on the shelves...I want to read it too!

This is not a bad read but, for me, to finish it meant reading the first line of many paragraphs and then skipping to the next -- something, as a rather slow reader, I rarely do.

Some of the writing is embarrassing (like listening to a bad singer) -- 'By the way,...' one sentence begins and then ends as a random author's thought. Phrases like 'it was not her thing' or Yiddishisms that seem anachronistic. 'Enthuse' as a verb used over and over again is annoying.

Finally, there is an overview lacking. Perhaps this is my own prejudice but I found the presentation of this tremendously self-absorbed, ungenerous woman's life lacking in a critical perspective. She lived through 2 world wars in complete luxury and comfort and never seems to have extended herself (except, as the author points out to particular individuals and friends) to those who were suffering. A single, rich and privileged woman with a continual staff of servants who never extended herself beyond her dilletantish borders deserves a little more critique than this polite biography offers.

First half was quite interesting in terms of the cultural milieu and historical bios presented. Second half reads as if it were written in a rush.

What fun! I can't recommend this wonderful, entertaining book highly enough. This is the way biography ought to be written - with verve and excitement. The historical backdrop is huge and magnificent. Miss Barney, whether you love her or hate her, is an amazing character. Despite the book's grand design and sweeping scope, I never got lost or confused. However, a biographical list of people would have been helpful (halfway through the book, while perusing the natalie barney website, I learned that the author provided such a list online).

Suzanne Rodriguez brings 1920s Pairs to life in the pages of Wild Heart; A Life. If you like biographies, European history, Paris, or are Natalie Barney fan, this is the book for you. To be honest, even if you have never heard of Natalie Barney, it's still a great read. As a writer, I found the accounts of Ms. Barney's famous "Fridays" (her Paris salon) very intriguing. Oh, what a treat it would be to go back in time and attend just one!! Ms. Rodriguez makes you feel like you are there, with vivid descriptions about the interpersonal interactions of some of the more famous (and infamous) Friday attendees.

Ms. Rodriguez is a first-rate biographer, as she lets her subject's life gracefully unfold, rather than pushing it on the reader. She also interjects interesting historical tid-bits and she has a way of subtly adding her own personality to the tome.

Buy it, curl up and escape! It's a great read.

Suzie Rodriguez' latest book, "Wild Heart," is a valuable contribution to scholarship for this important literary period. I totally disagree with the reviewer who sounds like a disgruntled and misogynistic individual, giving in to his atavistic views. Perhaps he would do best "staying in the kitchen" himself, washing dishes.
As a Ph.D., literature professor for over 35 years, both in Paris and the United States, I found this a well researched and important book. I will include it in my future courses on the expat period.

I work in the publishing industry (not for HarperCollins, the publishers of this book), and read Wild Heart from two viewpoints: (1) as a reader enjoying an exceptionally fine biography; (2) as an experienced editor. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed by the well-documented research, the humor inherent on every page, the mature and balanced outlook on life, the pace, the excitement, the scope of history. This book rocks!

That's why, when I signed on to Amazon to recommend Wild Heart, I couldn't have been more surprised to see the so-called review entitled "Don't Waste Your Money," or some such nonsense. With my background and years in this business, I had not a doubt as to what I was really looking at: a hit piece by a jealous and probably failed writer. It's quite obvious that this nasty bit of garbage was personal. Somebody out there is angry that Wild Heart's author wrote a better book than they did -- or probably ever will. Shame on you! You will get what you deserve; you probably already have, which has caused you to debase yourself in such a mean-spirited and ultimately stupid manner. As for the author of Wild Heart -- well, excellence is its own reward, and she, one hopes, will profit handsomely.

If you are looking for a deep, penetrative, and thorough look at a woman described as a "genius" by fellow writers, you have found the perfect biography. However, if you can't tolerate a detailed look at history, or you are looking for a brief, gossipy read, then you may be disappointed.
This biography was intensely satisfying for me; it is a rare gem that takes an objective look at the mind, lifestyle, and work of a sadly forgotten icon of Parisian literature. It takes you through two world wars, and gives you an insightful look into the rise and fall of Natalie's literary salon. The research is unbelievably thorough, drawing the reader into the life of a woman who proudly lived a life of openness: She shamelessly flaunted her lesbian relationships, and proudly lived a life of eccentricity and achievement.
The author is completely fair though, and does not try to hide the negative aspects of this Belle Époque icon- She was described as "politically stupid" even by friends (she blindly supported Hitler during the beginning of his rise to power), and she could be cold and ruthlessly cruel to a lover she had "moved on from." Often she would flaunt her new relationships in the face of her last lover, who would still be in total adoration of her. For example, the writer Renée Vivien famously killed herself slowly through starvation, and alcohol and drug abuse after being disposed by the love of her life: Ms. Barney.
Besides her faults however, you will begin to truly cherish and love this brave and unique woman, and by the end, you may just begin to feel a great loss for the life of a woman whose name has faded away into a literary myth.

Suzie Rodriguez' latest book, "Wild Heart," is a valuable contribution to scholarship for this important literary period. I totally disagree with the reviewer who sounds like a disgruntled and misogynistic individual, giving in to his atavistic views. Perhaps he would do best "staying in the kitchen" himself, washing dishes. He would also do well to take a spelling course.
As a Ph.D., literature professor for over 35 years, both in Paris and the United States, I found this a well researched and important book. I will include it in my future courses on the expat period.