Mrs. Stevens hears the mermaids singing
Subtitle: a novel
By: by May Sarton
Publisher: W.W. Norton
Published: 1965
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 220
Subjects: Creative ability in women; Self-actualization (Psychology) in old age; Self-acceptance; Women poets; Inspiration; Fiction
Description: Tells the story of Hilary Stevens, a 70-year old poet and novelist who lives in a house by the sea with her cat, Sirenica. When a two-person team comes to interview her, she reflects on her life, love affairs, and literary career ... a fascinating fictional portrait of a woman writer coming to terms with the terminus of her life and the art she has produced. [We] hear the characters discuss the novels and poetry books written by herr; the book has an almost Borgesian flavor in parts as this imaginary oeuvre is explored. Sarton also explores sexual and romantic love in its various permutations: male-male, female-male, anon her life, love affairs, and literary career. Sarton deals with a number of compelling issues in this book: the tension between female creativity and procreativity; women's mental health; the fickle fortunes of the literary world; and the impact of a book's reception on its author. Sarton has a satiric touch in her look at the literary/publishing establishment, a gentle touch in her look at human relations. And throughout there are some nice touches, like details about Hilary's work in her garden. Overall, a solid achievement from an impressively prolific writer.
Notes: Barbara Grier and Donna McBride collection.