Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett

Truth and Beauty is Ann Patchett's first work of non-fiction, offering a deeply personal and intimate look at her long-standing friendship with the late author Lucy Grealy. The book delves into the unique dynamics of women's friendships, showcasing the profound impact one person can have on another's life. Through her candid and heartfelt narrative, Patchett illuminates the challenges and joys of standing by someone through thick and thin, even when that person is not bound to you by blood or romantic love. /n/n The memoir begins with Patchett and Grealy meeting in college and continuing their friendship through the Iowa Writer's Workshop, where their connection became a cornerstone of both their lives. Patchett's reflections on Grealy's struggles and triumphs, as well as her own, provide a moving testament to the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit. This book is a celebration of the bonds that define us and the love that sustains us.

Reviews

Kara.reviews · Kara Babcock · 2017-09-21

mixed 3.00

The book is great but falls short in providing satisfaction, even in its exploration of sadness. It's a deeply personal account that resonates with the reader.

Kara Babcock's review highlights the dual nature of 'Truth and Beauty' as both a great book and one that misses the mark in terms of reader satisfaction. She acknowledges the book's exploration of sadness and its deeply personal account of friendship, which resonates with the reader. However, she feels that the book could have delved deeper into certain aspects to provide a more fulfilling experience.

Quick quotes

Truth and Beauty is obviously a great book.

Yet if we factor in satisfaction, even the type to be found in reading about sadness, then it misses the mark for me.

It's a deeply personal account that resonates with the reader.

Samanne Elizabeth's Blog · 2016-07-11

positive 4.00

The book is a portrait of unwavering commitment that spans twenty years, capturing the essence of a deep friendship.

Samanne Elizabeth's review paints 'Truth and Beauty' as a profound portrait of commitment and friendship. She appreciates the book's depiction of a friendship that spans two decades, from the Midwest to New York, highlighting the deep bond between the author and her friend. The review emphasizes the emotional depth and the raw, unfiltered portrayal of their relationship, making it a compelling read.

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This is a portrait of unwavering commitment that spans twenty years.

From the long, cold winters of the Midwest, to surgical wards, to book parties in New York.

It's a deeply personal account that resonates with the reader.

The Guardian · 2004-07-24

positive 4.50

The book is an extraordinary account of friendship, filled with both joy and tragedy, that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

The Guardian's review describes 'Truth and Beauty' as an extraordinary account of Ann Patchett's friendship with Lucy Grealy. The review highlights the book's ability to capture both the joy and tragedy of their relationship, making it a deeply moving and impactful read. The reviewer appreciates the raw and honest portrayal of their friendship, which spans various stages of their lives, from the Midwest to New York.

Quick quotes

Ann Patchett's extraordinary account of her friendship with Lucy Grealy, Truth and Beauty, is a tale of commitment to both joy and tragedy.

It's a deeply personal account that resonates with the reader.

The book leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

Appears in Lists

The Best Ann Patchett Books: A Reading Guide