Under a Glass Bell

Arrived in the condition promised, not a very pretty cover for this edition but book was in good quality

I bought this book for an older friend and have not read it. Cannot give you a review on something I have not read.

Anaïs is a delight to read. She is more notorious for her diaries but her prose is lovely. This books is full of brief, colourful stories that flow very nicely and are just fun to read and appreciate her effortless style!

I look forward to Anaïs Nin's other work this book was very deep in thought.Short stories/poems that seem very personal and dark. She has a labyrinth of a mind that seems to hold her prisoner.

I read this collection of short stories over one weekend. I acknowledge that other readers found this book difficult, and while I do see why; I would say it’s pretty accessible compared to other Nin works (House of Incest comes to mind). Overall, I loved Under a Glass Bell. Almost all of these short stories are about neurotic people; the obsessed, outsiders. They’re haunting, even when Anais ends them abruptly and on a cold note (‘The Eye’s Journey’). Some of my personal favourites here are ‘The Houseboat’, ‘Under a Glass Bell’, and ‘The All-Seeing’. ‘Birth’ is autobiographical (this scene is taken from her unexpurgated diary, ‘Incest’). Reappearing here, it ends the book violently and lends power to what is otherwise a surreal and beautifully strange book. Like Anais Nin’s other works of fiction, characters from her real life make an appearance (Antonin Artaud and his Theatre of Cruelty). All of Anais Nin’s signature imagery is here (the opulence, and the fascination with the primitive/savage). The very original choice of words. I would recommend this book to existing Anais Nin fans. If you’re new to Anais, try her diaries or even the lesser-known ‘Novel of the Future’ if you’re seeking a deeper understanding of her writing.

Anais Nin did not adhere to the traditions of story-telling. Formulaic plots, character arcs, and realistic descriptions didn't interest her. She was a master of character analysis and description -- instead of watching her characters move through the story, you, as the reader, move through the characters. This was because Nin was experimenting with a new artistic movement called surrealism and she ended up being one of its brightest stars.Because of Edmund Wilson's favorable review (and he was, of course, the king of critics) this was the collection of stories that finally brought Nin's work to the attention of public. Her writing style is simply stunning. Imagine distilling a story, as one distills a liquid, down to the final crystals. Or creating a beautiful and poetic ritual out of something mundane (such as the Geisha's tea ceremony).I think my personal favorites in this collection are "Ragtime," an amazing description of the poverty-stricken rag-picking community in 1930s Paris, "The Mouse," about Nin's fearful maid, and "Birth," the now notorious story about Nin's abortion. Seem like ugly topics? You'd be amazed at how beautiful Nin can render them.It takes a sensitive reader to understand Anais Nin's writing, but if you are that, I think you will find value in these stories.

Anyone familiar with Nin knows she is one of THE most narcissistic authors of all time. Throughout each and every story, we get a feel each and every story HAS to relate to Nin in some way...its almost a book of staccato self-realization stories rather than pure fiction. It is almost silly at some times, all stories have the small heroine envying the larger-than-life male figure(s) and having a feeling of displacement.I recommend this book only if you are a Nin-lover and ready for some stories that could come from nowhere but her own pen (or typewriter).

I have not read this particular book yet, however I have read little birds, and delta of venus. Originally I was shocked, and now, I feel more open, alive,and worldly. I know thats alot for two little books, but Im glad that I read them.

Great

Love Anais Nin