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Cities of the Interior #1-5

Cities of the Interior

anaïs nin

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Ladders to Fire , Children of the Albatross , The Four-Chambered Heart , A Spy in the House of Love , Seduction of the Minotaur . Haunting and hypnotic, these five novels by Anaïs Nin began in 1946 to appear in quiet succession. Though published separately over the next fifteen years, the five were conceived as a continuous experience—a continuous novel like Proust’s, real and flowing as a river. The full impact of Anaïs Nin’s genius is only to be found through reading the novels in context and in succession. They form a rich, luminous tapestry whose overall theme Nin has called “woman at war with herself.” Characters, symbols appear and now one, now another unfolding, gradually revealing, changing, struggling, growing, and Nin had forged an evocative language all her own for the telling. “The diary taught me that there were no neat ends to novels, no neat denouement, no neat synthesis,” she explains. “So I began an endless novel, a novel in which the climaxes consisted of discoveries in awareness, each step in awareness becoming a stage in the growth like the layers in trees.” Cities of the Interior fulfills a long–time desire on the part of readers, publisher, and Anaïs Nin herself to reunite the five novels in a single volume.

588 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1959
Series
Cities of the Interior

This edition

Format
588 pages, Paperback
Published
January 1, 1975 by Swallow Press
ISBN
9780804006668
ASIN
0804006660
Language
English

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About the author

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anaïs nin

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Writer and diarist, born in Paris to a Catalan father and a Danish mother, Anaïs Nin spent many of her early years with Cuban relatives. Later a naturalized American citizen, she lived and worked in Paris, New York and Los Angeles. Author of avant-garde novels in the French surrealistic style and collections of erotica, she is best known for her life and times in The Diary of Anaïs Nin, Volumes I-VII (1966-1980).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ana%C3%...

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Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 26 votes)
5 stars
6(23%)
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9(35%)
3 stars
11(42%)
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26 reviews All reviews
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RickRoss-Sama
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Anais's dialogue is truly captivating as it is filled with profound thinking about the mystery that shrouds all women. This mystery becomes even more profound if you happen to be a man.

Here is a revealing snapshot taken from the middle of the book: He never suspected for a moment that this mystery (of women) was an inherent part of themselves that they themselves did not know and could not see. (Anais Nin)

If you find the idea of an interior dialogue that we all construct on a daily basis utterly fascinating, then you are certain to thoroughly enjoy this evocative book. It delves deep into the inner workings of our minds and the mysteries that lie within, especially those related to the enigma of women. Anais Nin's words have the power to draw you in and make you reflect on the hidden aspects of our existence.

The book is a treasure trove of insights and emotions, waiting to be discovered by those who are open to exploring the depths of the human psyche.
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RadicalSanta
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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After Facebook informed me that Nin was "the voice of my soul," I began to think that I really ought to read something written by her.

I had actually bought this particular work of hers some time ago and had made an attempt to read it then. However, for some reason, I ended up putting it down.

Now I recall what that reason was: I simply couldn't endure reading it. It was just a whole lot of senseless blabbering with no discernible plot. It just wasn't to my taste.

Maybe I'm just being too hard on myself? Or perhaps I'm even unbearable to myself? I'm not entirely sure. But one thing is certain, this book by Nin just didn't do it for me.

It makes me wonder if I'm missing something, or if my expectations were just too high. Maybe I should give it another try at some point, but for now, I think I'll stick to books that have a more engaging storyline and substance.

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AnimeSocMegan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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RIP Anais Nin.

She was an incredibly talented and influential writer. Her works explored the depths of human emotions and relationships in a way that was both profound and captivating.

It's a shame that she's no longer with us.

But I can't help but think that if she were still alive, she would have loved Mitski.

Mitski's music is also deeply emotional and explores similar themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

Her lyrics are often poetic and her melodies are hauntingly beautiful.

I think Anais Nin would have found a kindred spirit in Mitski and would have been inspired by her work.

It's always sad when we lose great artists, but their legacies live on through their work and continue to inspire new generations.

RIP Anais Nin, and may her memory continue to inspire us all.
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Herobrina
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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The cover is truly beautiful.

When I was a young woman, I read this with great eagerness and enthusiasm. I couldn't put it down and was completely engrossed in its pages.

However, as time has passed, something has changed. It seems that this no longer holds the same allure for me. It doesn't speak to my heart or my soul in the way it once did.

I wonder if it's because I have grown and evolved, or if perhaps the story itself has lost its relevance in my life.

Nevertheless, I still appreciate the beauty of the cover and the memories it evokes of that younger version of myself who was so passionate about this book.

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Rikke01
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I read a great deal of Nin during my thirties. For many years, I had been in search of this particular book, and finally, I managed to obtain it. In the end, I truly relished the manner in which her diaries, erotica, and fiction intertwined.

I'm not certain if she ever disclosed what most individuals would regard as the "truth" regarding herself or her relationships. However, it was captivating to witness one person narrate similar tales from numerous diverse perspectives.

By the time I reached my mid-forties, I had become disillusioned with her. I had outgrown her intensity and self-absorption. Nevertheless, I still occasionally delight in delving into her works as a reminder of the viscous, malaga wine-like emotions that pervaded it all.

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ashu_kubera
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Therapy through prose is what was provided to me upon the first reading and every subsequent reading since then.

Works like "Ladders to Fire", "Children of the Albatross", "The Four-Chambered Heart", "A Spy in the House of Love" and "Seduction of the Minotaur" can be read either as a collective or individually. Each one is filled with languid poetry that allows you to vividly feel the elements, the landscape, and the characters. Most of these characters are sketches of the artists within Nin's circle. Anais was always writing about what she knew, tasted, and saw around her. The visceral sensuality of her storytelling has a profound impact on my spirit. It always buoys my spirit and leaves me with the comforting feeling that I am not alone in my thoughts, desires, fantasies, and actions. After all, the human condition is always fraught with complexity, and Nin's works manage to capture this essence beautifully.

Her prose is like a warm embrace that welcomes me into a world where my innermost feelings are understood and validated. It is a form of therapy that I cherish and continue to turn to whenever I need solace or inspiration.
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xlrb
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I truly love this with all my heart. It brings me so much joy and fulfillment.

However, it is disheartening to see the existence of casual racism. It is a blight on our society that needs to be eradicated.

Casual racism can take many forms, from offhand remarks to discriminatory behavior. It has no place in a civilized and inclusive world.

I wish that people would be more aware of their words and actions and would strive to treat everyone with respect and equality.

We need to educate ourselves and others about the harmful effects of racism and work together to create a more harmonious and just society.

Let us all do our part to combat casual racism and make the world a better place for everyone.
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_lost_n_frozen_
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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You truly have to read the entire series in order to fully immerse yourself in what Nin is attempting to present. It is an outstanding exploration of the minds and hearts of women!

Each installment in the series offers unique insights and perspectives that build upon one another, creating a comprehensive and captivating study. Nin's writing is both profound and engaging, drawing readers in and making them eager to discover more about the complex inner lives of the female characters.

Whether you are a woman seeking to better understand yourself and your own experiences, or a man interested in gaining a deeper appreciation for the female psyche, this series is an absolute must-read. It will challenge your assumptions, expand your understanding, and leave you with a newfound respect for the power and beauty of the female mind and heart.

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