If It Die

July 1, 2001
The French Nobel prize winner released his autobiography in 1935, roughly 16 years before his death. In it he traces the events that led to his literary career, beginning with his boyhood when he would become fixated on objects as different as plants and pianos. Wherever his focus fell, he would study the subject voraciously. Eventually books became his passion, which naturally led to writing. Though very strict with himself, he still led a bisexual lifestyle, which he also discusses with candor.

Copyright 2001 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.