I’m so surprised by those who are surprised to learn that Munro committed a terrible wrong in her own life. Not that one could have predicted this story exactly, but moral
failing and its aftermath are at the heart of her writing. No saint can write so well about sin.
Thanks for writing this, Ruth. I was saddened by the accusations by Munro's daughter but not outraged at Munro's behavior or especially surprised. I can't think of any author who has taught us greater empathy for human frailty. It is part of the beauty of her writing.
Yes, of course she prepared us, like life itself. I too have found myself lacking outrage and shock at Munro's behavior (my child self was lost in the complications of incest). Thanks for writing
Munro said in an interview, “All writing is atonement....I am always writing to make up for things I've done." As Hillary Kelly pointed out, she prepared us for this terrible moment. There’s no better time to read her work.
Thank you for this, Ruth, what a wonderful piece. I forwarded to my book group (not our old one!) and one person commented, "The unanswered question is why didn't -- or couldn't -- Munro stop in her life what she so perceptively observed and wrote about?"
I’m so surprised by those who are surprised to learn that Munro committed a terrible wrong in her own life. Not that one could have predicted this story exactly, but moral
failing and its aftermath are at the heart of her writing. No saint can write so well about sin.
I also think reading her prepared me for this, in many ways. As did life.
Thanks for writing this, Ruth. I was saddened by the accusations by Munro's daughter but not outraged at Munro's behavior or especially surprised. I can't think of any author who has taught us greater empathy for human frailty. It is part of the beauty of her writing.
Yes, of course she prepared us, like life itself. I too have found myself lacking outrage and shock at Munro's behavior (my child self was lost in the complications of incest). Thanks for writing
this. I understand myself a little better now.
Munro said in an interview, “All writing is atonement....I am always writing to make up for things I've done." As Hillary Kelly pointed out, she prepared us for this terrible moment. There’s no better time to read her work.
Interesting! Do you remember where the interview was?
The Globe and Mail, 2006. The entire interview, by my late friend Val Ross, sparkles with humor and insight. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/lunch-at-alices-restaurant/article20416306/
Thanks for sharing. So interesting in light of all the recent news.
Thank you for this, Ruth, what a wonderful piece. I forwarded to my book group (not our old one!) and one person commented, "The unanswered question is why didn't -- or couldn't -- Munro stop in her life what she so perceptively observed and wrote about?"
Surely her decision was one of the poorer decisions to make as a “human”