biography
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Is That Kafka? 99 Finds
While researching for his 3-part trilogy about Franz Kafka, biographer Reiner Stach found some interesting tidbits and scraps of writing from the author’s life. He has published these in several supplemental volumes: one being The Lost Writings and another being Is That Kafka? This book of “99 Finds” is essentially a mini-biography, told in vignettes Continue reading
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To Begin the World Over Again: Lawrence of Arabia from Damascus to Baghdad
If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you’re doubtless aware I have a bit of a fascination with Lawrence of Arabia. After watching the movie in 2015, I set off to read Seven Pillars of Wisdom and anything else by or about the guy I could find. Which, as it turns out, is Continue reading
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Xi Jinping and the Addictive Quality of Biographies
Apologies for my two weeks’ radio silence… Work has been intense, so I haven’t mustered up the energy to blog until this weekend. Happily, I’ve been reading, and there is plenty to catch up on! My current obsession reading focus is an unlikely one: CEO, China: The Rise of Xi Jinping (2016) by Kerry Brown. Continue reading
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"…he might be understood; but not today."
T. E. Lawrence (1888–1935) If you’ve been following me on Goodreads, you’ll understand I have been reading books this year, while blogging at a record low. Far from a lack of interest in blogging, my motivation was the need to take a break…I still consider myself on break as I write this. However, I wanted Continue reading
About Me
Hi, I’m Marian—I talk about classics, history, and other books on this blog, as well as on YouTube.
Currently Reading
Recent Posts
- What I’m Reading – Morning Coffee Edition
- Oddly Specific Things I Love in Books (and a Few Movies)
- The Tenant of Wildfell Hall – A Long Overdue Review
- My Favorite Films and Music of 2025
- Ten Books I’d Like to Read (and Possibly Own)
Classics Considered 