Childhood, Youth, Dependency
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Childhood, Youth, Dependency
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Childhood, Youth, Dependency
Childhood, Youth, Dependency, by acclaimed Danish author Tove Ditlevsen, is a poignant and gripping trilogy, now brought together in a single volume as part of the Penguin Modern Classics series. This evocative work, originally hailed as a masterpiece upon its English publication, delves into the intricate layers of Ditlevsen's life, chronicling her journey from a turbulent childhood to the complexities of adulthood.
Set against the backdrop of a working-class neighbourhood in Copenhagen, the story unveils the formative years of Tove, a sensitive and introspective girl who often feels out of place in her surroundings. Her childhood is marked by a deep sense of melancholy and a yearning for something beyond the tangible reality of her daily life. As she grows, long, mysterious words begin to take root in her soul, drawing her inexorably towards a vocation in writing that will come to define her existence.
However, Tove’s path to self-discovery and artistic fulfilment is fraught with numerous challenges and heart-wrenching experiences. Her adolescence and young adulthood are coloured by tumultuous love affairs, the trials of both wanted and unwanted pregnancies, artistic failures, and a harrowing battle with addiction. Each stage of her life reveals the stark contrasts between her aspirations and the harsh realities she faces.
At the heart of Childhood, Youth, Dependency lies a central tension that becomes increasingly pronounced: the seductive yet destructive lure of dependency in its manifold forms—whether it’s on substances, relationships, or societal expectations—and the elusive dream of living a life of freedom and fearlessness. Ditlevsen’s candid and unflinching narrative brings to light the struggles and sacrifices inherent in the pursuit of artistic integrity and personal authenticity.
Ditlevsen’s writing is both stark and lyrical, offering a compelling glimpse into the human psyche. Her reflections on identity, creativity, and resilience resonate deeply, making this trilogy not just a memoir, but a universal exploration of the human condition.
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
View allBook Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Childhood, Youth, Dependency by Tove Ditlevsen receives rave reviews for its raw and poignant exploration of life, described by some as a masterpiece. Critics praise Ditlevsen's intense, elegant prose and her vivid, honest portrayal of her experiences. The work is compared to Elena Ferrante's for its deep understanding of trauma and the clear truth it radiates. It combines wrenching sadness with pitch-black comedy, making it both a tough and tender read.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780241457573
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 26 January 2021
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Contributors:
- Translated by Tiina Nunnally
- Translated by Michael Favala Goldman
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 21.0mm
Width: 128.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 281g
Pages: 384
About the Author
Tove Ditlevsen was born in 1917 in a working-class neighbourhood in Copenhagen. Her first volume of poetry was published when she was in her early twenties, and was followed by many more books, including her three brilliant volumes of memoir, Childhood (1967), Youth (1967) and Dependency (1971). She married four times and struggled with alcohol and drug abuse throughout her adult life until her death by suicide in 1978.
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