The White Album

First published in 1979, 'The White Album' is a collection of essays that captures the essence of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Joan Didion delves into various aspects of the era, including the Manson family's dark influence, a Black Panther Party press conference, and the story of John Paul Getty's museum. She also reflects on the romance of water in an arid landscape and the overall swirl of confusion that defined the 1960s. With her characteristic precision and depth, Didion exposes the realities and illusions of a generation that sought self-discovery and spiritual fulfillment in California. The book is not just a historical account but a lyrical and introspective exploration of the cultural and social upheavals of the time.

Reviews

Letters from the Lighthouse · 2024-04-05

insightful 4.00

The White Album is a collection of essays that capture the essence of the 1970s through Didion's unique perspective. The essays are diverse, covering topics from California water management to travels in Hawai'i and Bogotá.

The White Album is a collection of essays that capture the essence of the 1970s through Didion's unique perspective. The essays are diverse, covering topics from California water management to travels in Hawai'i and Bogotá. The collection is a fascinating look at a pivotal decade in American history. Didion's writing is sharp and insightful, offering a kaleidoscopic view of the era. The essays are well-crafted and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the 1970s.

Quick quotes

The White Album, Didion's second essay collection, covers the 1970s and such disparate topics as California water management, travels to Hawai'i and Bogotá.

Didion's writing is sharp and insightful, offering a kaleidoscopic view of the era.

The essays are well-crafted and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the 1970s.

The Boar · 2023-11-24

bleak 3.00

The White Album offers a bleak introspection on 1970s America, with Didion's writing sometimes feeling out of touch. The collection provides a unique perspective on the era's cultural and political landscape.

The White Album offers a bleak introspection on 1970s America, with Didion's writing sometimes feeling out of touch. The collection provides a unique perspective on the era's cultural and political landscape. Didion's essays are introspective and thought-provoking, offering a deep dive into the complexities of the time. However, some readers may find her writing style detached and at times cold. Overall, the collection is a compelling read for those interested in the 1970s.

Quick quotes

Didion's writing can feel out of touch, and it's particularly jarring here as she's writing about phenomena and the impact on the ordinary people.

The White Album offers a bleak introspection on 1970s America.

Didion's essays are introspective and thought-provoking, offering a deep dive into the complexities of the time.

LA Review of Books · 2020-11-23

unnerving 3.50

The White Album is an autobiographical essay that examines snapshots from the author's life in 1960s California. Didion's writing is unnerving and at times detachedly cold, offering a unique perspective on the era.

The White Album is an autobiographical essay that examines snapshots from the author's life in 1960s California. Didion's writing is unnerving and at times detachedly cold, offering a unique perspective on the era. The essays are introspective and thought-provoking, providing a deep dive into the complexities of the time. Didion's sharp observations and insightful commentary make this a compelling read for those interested in the 1960s. However, some readers may find her writing style detached and at times cold.

Quick quotes

Her writing is unnerving and at times detachedly cold.

Didion sneers at Hollywood, at feminists, at Huey Newton of the Black Panthers.

The essays are introspective and thought-provoking, providing a deep dive into the complexities of the time.

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