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Living by Fiction

annie dillard

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A beautiful repackaging of Annie Dillard's classic work of literary criticism.
"Everyone who timidly, bombastically, reverently, scholastically--even fraudulently--essays to 'live the life of the mind' should read this book. It's elegant and classy, like caviar and champagne, and like these two items, it's over much too soon." — Carolyn See, Los Angeles Times Living by Fiction  is written for--and dedicated to--people who love literature. Dealing with writers such as Nabokov, Barth, Coover, Pynchon, Borges, García Márquez, Beckett, and Calvino, Annie Dillard shows why fiction  matters  and how it can reveal more of the modern world and modern thinking than all the academic sciences combined. Readers of Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, An American Childhood , and  Holy the Firm  will recognize Dillard's vivid writing, her humor, and the lively way she tackles the urgent questions of meaning in experience itself.

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1983

This edition

Format
192 pages, Paperback
Published
January 5, 2000 by Harper Perennial
ISBN
9780060915445
ASIN
0060915447
Language
English

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annie dillard

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Rating(4 / 5.0, 70 votes)
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70 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
SS-Senpai
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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If you have a passion for literature, then this book is truly for you. Annie Dillard presents her one-of-a-kind perspective on the life of reading and what literature truly means to her, and perhaps it will mean the same to you as well. I personally found it to be extremely stimulating and it is clearly aimed directly at readers just like me, those who have a keen interest in the life of the mind.


The book features sections on contemporary literature, the current state of the art, and the source of meaning. There are an abundance of ideas within these pages for you to contemplate and it also offers great encouragement for your reading life. It delves deep into the world of literature, exploring different aspects and providing valuable insights that can enhance your understanding and appreciation of this wonderful art form.


Whether you are a casual reader or a die-hard literature enthusiast, this book has something to offer. It will inspire you to pick up more books, explore new authors and genres, and think more deeply about the power and significance of literature in our lives. So, if you are looking for a book that will engage your mind and fuel your love for reading, then look no further than this one by Annie Dillard.

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Silvertide
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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What did I just read?

Some parts of it were nearly ethereal, as if they were floating in a realm beyond comprehension. The words seemed to dance and swirl in a way that was both beautiful and mysterious.

However, other parts were so convoluted that I could not follow her train of thought. The sentences were long and filled with complex ideas, making it difficult to untangle the meaning.

And then, to my surprise, she ends up with an "I don't know". What! How could she not know? After all that build-up and all those intricate details, to simply admit ignorance at the end was quite a letdown.

I am left feeling a bit confused and unsatisfied. I wonder if there was more to the story that I missed, or if the author was simply trying to create a sense of ambiguity.

Either way, this reading experience has left me with more questions than answers.
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merope28
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I was truly surprised by the depth of my love for this book. Annie Dillard presents some truly fascinating ideas, not only about literary theory but also about art in general.

Her prose is so engaging and beautiful that it makes this book an absolute joy to read.

Each page is filled with her unique perspective and insights, which draw the reader in and keep them hooked until the very end.

The way she explores the various aspects of art and literature is both thought-provoking and inspiring.

Whether she is discussing the role of the artist in society or the importance of creativity, Dillard's words have a powerful impact.

This book is not only a great read for those interested in literary theory and art but also for anyone who appreciates good writing and deep thinking.

It has definitely left a lasting impression on me and I would highly recommend it to others.
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Ochinchinfactory
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is the worst Dillard book I have ever read.

Unless you have a great passion for discussing writing, this book is definitely not suitable for you.

It is by far my least favorite among all of Dillard's works and might even be one of the last ones I will pick up.

The content seems to lack the depth and charm that her other books possess.

It fails to engage the reader on a profound level and leaves one feeling rather disappointed.

I had high expectations for this book, but unfortunately, it did not meet them at all.

Perhaps if you are specifically interested in the technical aspects of writing, you might find some value in it.

However, for the general reader, it is not a recommended read.

I hope Dillard will return to her former glory and produce more outstanding works in the future.
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Dazai_Bakugo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This was definitely more on the Literary Criticism side of what I normally read.

It was written for an audience that has a tendency to just sit around and read... critically.

There were lots of big words and outside references to things that I had never even considered reading.

In that way, it truly stretched my thinking.

Perhaps the best chapter was the one which put forward the idea that Art is the best means for communicating the Meaning of our existence.

Dillard takes on some extremely huge ideas in this book.

However, unfortunately, I think she backed down in the end, concluding the book with a polite "I don't know."

This left me a bit disappointed as I was hoping for more conclusive answers or insights.

Nevertheless, the book did make me think deeply about various aspects of literature and art, and for that, I am grateful.

It was a challenging read, but one that I believe was ultimately worthwhile.

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tenkenkid
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Before beginning, find your favorite pen and notebook. Annie Dillard's examination of the purpose and role of literature in our lives is filled with profound insights, expressed with her typical grace of tone and eloquence. Does literature, or perhaps even life itself, possess meaning? Do contemporary modernists have more to offer than just sleek techniques? What about symbols? These are all questions that Dillard explores in her work.


Literature has the power to touch our hearts, expand our minds, and make us see the world in a new light. It can offer us wisdom, inspiration, and a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves. But what exactly is the meaning of literature? Is it to entertain, to educate, or to provoke thought?


Contemporary modernists often focus on innovative techniques and experimental forms. While these can be exciting and engaging, do they overshadow the importance of the content? And what about symbols? They can add depth and complexity to a work of literature, but can also be misinterpreted or overlooked.


As we read Annie Dillard's work, we are invited to思考 these questions and form our own opinions. She challenges us to look beyond the surface and discover the hidden meanings and connections within literature and in life.

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serjohn01
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is the sort of book that truly demands to be reread time and time again.

Dillard writes about the function of writing in the world and vice versa with an astonishing agility that masks the complexity and difficulty of the ground she traverses.

Her work is so rich and layered that I've found myself uncovering a plethora of titles that I now feel compelled to add to my reading list simply to fully appreciate the depth of her references to them.

Despite its slender volume, this book contains a wealth of importance and wisdom.

It offers profound insights into the nature of writing and its relationship with the world around us.

Dillard's unique perspective and her ability to convey complex ideas with such grace and fluidity make this a must-read for anyone interested in the power and potential of the written word.

Each rereading reveals new nuances and interpretations, making it a constantly evolving and rewarding experience.

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okisou
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The beginning was really great, full of promise and excitement.

However, as it progressed, it took a rather strange turn and became a right metaphysical yawn.

It seemed to lose its focus and delve into abstract and esoteric concepts that were difficult to follow and understand.

The once engaging narrative now felt disjointed and confusing, leaving the reader feeling rather bored and uninterested.

Perhaps if the author had maintained the initial momentum and developed the story in a more straightforward manner, it would have been a more enjoyable read.

As it stands, it is a bit of a disappointment, starting strong but ultimately falling flat.

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