Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 26 votes)
5 stars
6(23%)
4 stars
9(35%)
3 stars
11(42%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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26 reviews
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.
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.

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.
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.

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.

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.
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.
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.

July 14,2025
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This book, or perhaps these books, has truly opened my eyes. It has made me come to the realization that I have an excessive penchant for symbolism that lacks a distinct form or content.

It is a kind of beauty that lies in its lyricism, yet it is so elusive and difficult to firmly grasp.

It is decadent in an almost elusively transformative way. The words seem to dance on the page, creating a world that is both alluring and ephemeral.

As I read, I find myself lost in a sea of emotions and ideas, trying to make sense of the intangible.

This unique quality of the book(s) has not only intrigued me but also challenged my perception of what literature can be.

It has made me appreciate the power of words to convey something that is beyond the realm of the ordinary, something that can touch the deepest recesses of our souls.

Overall, this discovery has been a profound and eye-opening experience for me.
July 14,2025
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If you're seeking novels that have captivating beginnings and neatly wrapped-up endings, then this particular book isn't for you. Nin firmly believed that novels should mirror real life, and in her view, real life simply doesn't unfold in such a tidy manner. In "Cities of the Interior", she remains true to that philosophy. In this sense, it isn't a conventional novel; rather, it presents a series of events that occur.

The events take place in the lives of three women who are in search of meaningful expression and relationships. They seek these not only with a few interesting men but also with each other and within their own interior lives. Comprising five novels that are drawn from and fictionalized based on her diaries, it doesn't possess the kind of eroticism that we have come to associate with modern erotic literature. Nor can it be compared in that regard to her posthumous publications, "Delta of Venus" and "Little Birds". Nevertheless, it contains remarkably beautiful and sensuous descriptive passages. These are like poetry within prose, and they remind me of Michael Ondaatje's earlier works. The descriptive passages, which are exquisitely crafted, draw the reader through vivid sensations of color, sound, touch, movement, and mood. The expressive mastery of these poetry-within-prose passages provides ample reason to read this collection.

The title "Cities of the Interior" can be well translated as "landscapes of the mind". The five novels transition and blend with each other seamlessly, not so much as a series of distinct stories but rather as a continuation of the same story (which, as I've mentioned, has no clear beginning or end).

I have a habit of keeping the books that I like. And this one, without a doubt, is a keeper. It offers a unique reading experience that delves deep into the complexities of the human psyche and the beauty that can be found within the ordinary events of life.
July 14,2025
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This is my favorite book.

It holds a special place in my heart as it's the first time I've ever felt such a deep and profound connection to a fictional character.

The story unfolds in a way that makes me feel as if I'm right there with the character, experiencing their joys, sorrows, and every little emotion in between.

The author has done an amazing job of creating a character that is so relatable and real.

From the moment I started reading, I was completely captivated by this fictional world and the character at its center.

I found myself thinking about the character even when I wasn't reading the book, wondering what they would do next and how their story would end.

This connection has truly made this book a memorable and cherished part of my life.

It has shown me the power of good storytelling and how a fictional character can have such a significant impact on a reader.

I will always remember this book and the special connection I have with its character.
July 14,2025
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This is a truly remarkable collection of her work. It offers not only a good but also a comprehensive introduction to both her intellectual and sensualist writings.

Her intellectual works are a testament to her profound thinking and keen insights. They explore complex ideas and concepts, challenging the reader to expand their own understanding.

On the other hand, her sensualist writings are a celebration of the pleasures of the senses. They are filled with vivid descriptions and evocative language that draw the reader in and engage their emotions.

Together, these two aspects of her work create a rich and multi-faceted portrait of a talented and unique writer. This collection is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of human experience through the written word.
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