Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
42(42%)
4 stars
27(27%)
3 stars
31(31%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 14,2025
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Women were at times deceived by the hunger in them.

This statement holds a certain truth. Hunger can have a powerful impact on a person's judgment and decision-making.

When women are experiencing intense hunger, their focus may shift solely to satisfying that basic need. This can lead them to make choices that they might not otherwise make in a more satiated state.

For example, they may be more likely to accept offers or opportunities that seem appealing at the moment but could have negative consequences in the long run.

Hunger can cloud their perception and make them vulnerable to being misled or taken advantage of.

It is important to recognize the influence of hunger on women and to ensure that they have access to adequate food and resources.

This not only helps to meet their physical needs but also enables them to make more informed and rational decisions.

By addressing the issue of hunger, we can empower women and protect them from being deceived by their own basic instincts.
July 14,2025
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This book contains some truly charming short stories that carry significant messages for Humanity.

I took great pleasure in reading 'Houseboat', 'Ragtime', and 'Hejda'.

While Anais Nin is a wonderful descriptive writer, her style can be a bit excessive for my personal preference.

I often find myself grappling with metaphors like "The bushes were soft hairy elbows touching mine".

These kinds of descriptions, although vivid, can sometimes be a bit too elaborate and make it difficult for me to fully understand the intended meaning.

However, despite this minor drawback, the overall collection of stories in this book is engaging and thought-provoking.

It offers a unique perspective on various aspects of life and human nature, making it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy short fiction.

Each story has its own charm and message, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read.

July 14,2025
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The stories seem

lacking something, perhaps the spirit or the meaning

, I don't know..

I can't understand the nature of Anais Nin's writings.

Her works often seem to be a mystery to me, filled with complex emotions and hidden meanings that are difficult to penetrate.

I have tried to read her stories with an open mind, but still, I find myself struggling to make sense of them.

Maybe it's because her writing style is so unique, or perhaps it's because I simply don't have the same life experiences as she did.

Whatever the reason, I continue to be intrigued by her works and hope that one day, I will be able to fully understand the beauty and depth that lies within them.
July 14,2025
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As I vividly recall, it was a truly lovely collection.

At some indeterminate point in the future, I'm going to have to take the time to revisit and reevaluate Anais Nin.

During my high school days, her diaries, which I picked up for reasons that I can neither clearly remember nor fully fathom, served as a gateway for me to a Paris and a literary world that was both foreign and incredibly enticing.

Nin introduced me to a plethora of great writers and thinkers. There was Proust, with his intricate and profound exploration of memory and human nature. Edmund Wilson, whose literary criticism was both incisive and enlightening. Gore Vidal, with his sharp wit and keen insights into society and politics.

And then there were those of a perhaps lower rung, but still powerful in their own right. Henry Miller, with his bold and unapologetic exploration of the human psyche. D.H. Lawrence, whose works delved deep into the themes of sexuality and the human condition. Otto Rank, with his unique theories on psychology and creativity. Djuna Barnes, with her experimental and often challenging writing style.

And I will never, ever forget the voice of the diaries. It was like a whisper in the night, guiding me through the labyrinth of literature and introducing me to a world that I had never known before.
July 14,2025
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Really not sure what I’ve just read.

It's a collection of stories, a string of words. Some are quite lovely, particularly, oddly, the first one or two pages of each story.

Around the third page, they seem to drift into something else. There's no clear plot, and at times it gets tangentially wordy, like a stream of consciousness.

I am certain I have missed the point, which is obscure but surely relevant. I'm never sure if I'm reading something difficult yet profound or just plain under-edited bunk.

Maybe I needed more coffee, more wine, or more education.

Still, I did enjoy the lovely parts, and I'm still puzzling out the rest.

It's a strange reading experience that leaves me both intrigued and confused.

I wonder if others will have the same reaction or if they will see something that I missed.

Perhaps with a second reading or a different perspective, I'll be able to make more sense of it all.

For now, I'll just have to let it sit with me and see where my thoughts take me.
July 14,2025
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This collection of short stories truly presented a challenge for me.

Some of the stories were absolute gems, worthy of a 4 or perhaps even a 5-star rating. They had depth, emotion, and a certain allure that kept me hooked from start to finish.

However, there were also stories that I simply couldn't connect with. I found myself not only failing to understand the underlying themes and messages but also feeling a bit lost in the narrative.

I believe that in order to gain a more comprehensive appreciation of Nin's writing, I would need to delve into it more thoroughly. It would be beneficial to have someone to discuss her works with, as different perspectives can often shed new light on the text.

As it stands, this particular reading experience was somewhat lacking. I frequently found myself confused by her highly metaphoric language, which at times seemed to obscure rather than clarify the meaning.

Nevertheless, there were also moments when her writing style was incredibly powerful and engaging. Her words had a resonance that stayed with me long after I had finished reading.

Overall, I am still very much interested in exploring more of Nin's work in the future. However, I recognize that now may not be the most opportune time. I need to take some time to further develop my understanding and appreciation of her unique writing style before delving deeper into her literary world.

July 14,2025
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Interesting


Interest is a powerful force that can drive us to explore new things, learn new skills, and pursue our passions. It can make us more engaged in life and give us a sense of purpose. When we are interested in something, we are more likely to put in the effort and time to understand it better.


There are many different types of interests, such as hobbies, sports, music, art, and science. Each person has their own unique set of interests that reflect their personality, values, and experiences. Some people may be interested in multiple areas, while others may have a single passion that they pursue with great intensity.


Discovering and following our interests can bring many benefits. It can help us to reduce stress, improve our mental health, and enhance our creativity. It can also lead to new friendships and opportunities for personal growth. So, take the time to explore your interests and see where they lead you. You may be surprised at what you discover!

July 14,2025
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These stories operate in a manner that truly makes perfect sense to me.

They vividly depict life as being composed of various kinds of reality.

Their power lies in their poetic nature, which is both captivating and moving.

At the same time, the author has written them with great care and precision.

Every word seems to be chosen deliberately to convey the intended meaning.

The result is a collection of stories that are not only enjoyable to read but also offer deep insights into the human condition.

They make us think about our own lives and the different realities that we experience on a daily basis.

In conclusion, these stories are a wonderful example of how literature can be both beautiful and thought-provoking.
July 14,2025
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I really liked poetry. There is something special about it that attracts me.

However, most of the time, I don't understand it completely.

The words and expressions used in poetry can be quite complex and require a deep understanding of language and literature.

Sometimes, I feel frustrated because I can't fully grasp the meaning and beauty of a poem.

But despite this, I still keep reading and trying to understand poetry.

I believe that with more practice and study, I will be able to improve my understanding and appreciation of it.

Poetry has the power to touch our hearts and souls, and I want to be able to experience that fully.

So, I will continue to explore the world of poetry and see where it takes me.

July 14,2025
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Anais Nin is an exceptionally masterful writer. I have come to admire her not only for her outstanding writing but also for her remarkable lifestyle, her great intelligence, and her remarkable talent and skill. She possesses a sharp mind and a quick wit that is truly captivating.

There are several videos about her, and one in particular features a list of things she said, which is well worth checking out. Unfortunately, she is perhaps too closely associated with erotica. While it is abundant in works like "Delta of Venus" and related ones, it is not as prominent in this particular collection. Here, the stories primarily focus on lost souls, those on the fringes of society who often go unnoticed. Nin has the remarkable ability to make their plights not only appealing but also engaging and thought-provoking reading.

This book, as the dust jacket proclaims, includes a collection of all the short stories Anais Nin has written, as well as the novelette "Winter of Artifice".

From the inside of the jacket, Edmund Wilson writes that the pieces in this collection belong to a peculiar genre sometimes cultivated by the late Virginia Woolf. They are a unique blend of short stories and dreams, mixing exquisite poetry with homely realistic observation. They take place in a special world, a world of feminine perception and fancy, which is all the more curious and charming for being international. Anais Nin, the daughter of a Spanish musician, has spent much of her life in France and the United States. She writes in English but mostly about Paris, although you occasionally find yourself in other countries.

Regarding "Winter of Artifice", the novelette, Alyse Gregory writes that it is a remarkable story. Reading it is an experience. The heart, blood, and unconscious all speak, and truth is pursued in a trance, without fear of consequences, breathlessly, lucidly, boldly, with ecstasy and pain. As a human document with flashes of poetic feeling, and revelatory of a human consciousness in its most intense and artistic moments of intuitive insight evading the inner censor, it is of deep insight and very moving, original, and profound. It is wonderful that such a story has been published in the midst of so much commonplace writing, being so distinctive, subtle, personal, and daring.

If these reviews seem a bit odd at times, I can only assume it was typical of the times. My guess is that no one really knew how to approach Nin because what she wrote and how she wrote was so far removed from anything they had encountered before.

The contents of the book include: "Houseboat", "The Mouse", "Under A Glass Bell", "The Mohican", "Je Suis Le Plus Malade Des Surrealists", "Ragtime", "The Labyrinth", "Through the Streets of My Own Labyrinth", "The All-Seeing", "The Eye's Journey", "The Child Born Out of the Fog", "Hejda", "Birth", "Winter of Artifice, Part I - Djuna", and "Winter of Artifice, Part II - The Voice".

Here are two quotes from her that I like: "If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want and all that's left is compromise." And "The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say but what we are unable to say."
July 14,2025
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Thank you for introducing me to Anais Nin.

Anaïs Nin is a remarkable figure in the literary world. Her works are filled with depth and complexity, exploring themes such as human relationships, sexuality, and the inner self.

Born in France, Nin had a unique perspective on life that she brought to her writing. Her diaries, in particular, are highly regarded for their intimate and revealing nature. Through her words, we are able to catch a glimpse into her own experiences and the thoughts and emotions that accompanied them.

Nin's writing style is both poetic and sensual, captivating readers and drawing them into her world. She has inspired countless other writers and continues to be a source of inspiration today.

I am excited to explore more of Anais Nin's works and discover the treasures that lie within. Thank you again for this wonderful introduction.
July 14,2025
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I have always been a great admirer of her writing. Her works have a certain charm that keeps me engaged and enthralled. Overall, I would rate this collection as a 3.5.

While most of the stories in the collection are quite good, there are a few that didn't quite capture my attention as much as the others. However, there are some real gems in there.

My absolute favorites were "Houseboat", "Under a Glass Bell", and "The Labyrinth". These stories had a unique and captivating quality to them.

The characters were well-developed, the plots were engaging, and the writing style was beautiful. I found myself completely immersed in these stories and couldn't put them down.

Even though the collection as a whole may not be perfect, these three stories alone make it well worth reading. I would highly recommend this collection to anyone who loves good literature.
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