Things I Don’t Want to Know by Deborah Levy

Things I Don’t want to Know by Deborah Levy
UK Publication: 2018
Reviewed by: Book Worm
Rating: [★★★]

This ARC was provided by Penguin (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.

Follow me as I foray into non-fiction…

Synopsis from Goodreads:  ‘Perhaps when Orwell described sheer egoism as a necessary quality for a writer, he was not thinking about the sheer egoism of a female writer. Even the most arrogant female writer has to work over time to build an ego that is robust enough to get her through January, never mind all the way to December.’ Deborah Levy

My Thoughts: Part 1 of an autobiographical trilogy. Those who know me know I don’t do non-fiction but this is Deborah Levy and the publisher invited me especially so you know I had to read it.

This book explores what it takes to be a writer and why a woman particularly might choose to do so and how this decision is viewed by those around her. It explores motherhood, feminism and the expectations placed on women that can leave them feeling trapped.

For me the best section of the book was learning about Levy’s childhood in South Africa and her father’s imprisonment. Apartheid, racism and sexism are some of the things Levy wishes she didn’t know but to be a writer you need to know and be able to express these things in a way that engages your reader and Levy does just that.

Book 2 review will be coming soon…

Who would like this? Anyone who appreciates beautiful writing and a new (perhaps) viewpoint of historical situations.

We want to hear from you! Have you read this book? What did you think?