I do believe that we can save each other’s lives with stories and poems and books. I really do. But Etty reminded me that we don’t have to do all that for this work to matter, even in the darkest times.
That quote is everything. And the reminder that the power of writing (aka why we do this) is not in the outcome, success, etc. but the PROCESS. So so good. Thank you for this, Lilly!
I read Etty Hillesum's journals in a college class I took decades ago, called "Religion and Autobiography." I still think about that class. I need to go back and read this book again. I find your insights also apply to the work of Irène Némirovsky--she was writing her last novel as the Germans occupied France and she was about to be sent to her death in the concentration camps. And she still wrote, with so much clarity and beauty, still making complex characters out of her observations. I like to think that there was some peace for her in the writing she kept doing as long as she possibly could. She maintained her focus and her art until the very end.
Thank you for sharing Etty Hillesum. I read her work as I researched WWII books, and have the dog eared stained copy from years ago. She shows us how to live in the moment, how to be with life itself, despite the turning down of the light in the legal and political situation and the danger around her. I hope that many are inspired to read her book.
That quote is everything. And the reminder that the power of writing (aka why we do this) is not in the outcome, success, etc. but the PROCESS. So so good. Thank you for this, Lilly!
Thank you.
I have her book. Thank you for reminding me to read it!
I love the word ‘bountiful’ !
THANK YOU!
I read Etty Hillesum's journals in a college class I took decades ago, called "Religion and Autobiography." I still think about that class. I need to go back and read this book again. I find your insights also apply to the work of Irène Némirovsky--she was writing her last novel as the Germans occupied France and she was about to be sent to her death in the concentration camps. And she still wrote, with so much clarity and beauty, still making complex characters out of her observations. I like to think that there was some peace for her in the writing she kept doing as long as she possibly could. She maintained her focus and her art until the very end.
Thank you for sharing Etty Hillesum. I read her work as I researched WWII books, and have the dog eared stained copy from years ago. She shows us how to live in the moment, how to be with life itself, despite the turning down of the light in the legal and political situation and the danger around her. I hope that many are inspired to read her book.