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Quote by Iris Origo

“[On writing biography:] If you wish to see a person you must not start by seeing through him.”

Quote by Iris Origo

Book:A Need to Testify

Work

A Need to Testify

In this gripping psychological thriller, the protagonist grapples with the weight of secrets and the need to confront the truth. The narrative explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the psychological impact of unspoken truths, creating a tense atmosphere that keeps readers engaged throughout the story. more

Author

Iris Origo, born on August 15, 1902 and died on June 28, 1988, was an outstanding Italian biographer. Her works are known for their in-depth research and rich details, particularly for her ability to depict the lives and historical contexts of figures. more

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“I do not think that one is likely to write a good biography unless one feels some sympathy with its subject.”

Thinking Feels Writing Subjects Biographies

Author:Iris Origo

“[On writing biography:] ... every human life is at once so complex and so simple, so perplexing and so clear, so superficial and so profound, that any attempt to present it as a unified, consistent whole, to enclose it within a rigid frame, inevitably tempts one to cheat or to falsify.”

Writing Humans Whole Life Is Simple Clear Profound Complexes Human Life Consistent Cheat Superficial Biographies Unified

Author:Iris Origo

“whereas in childhood ... it was the parents' judgement that mattered to the child, later on the situation becomes reversed: it is then that the opinions of one's grown-up children become what matters, as well as their kindness.”

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Author:Iris Origo

“Just as, in travel, one may miss seeing the sunset because one cannot find the ticket-office or is afraid of missing the train, so in even the closest human relationships a vast amount of time and of affection is drained away in minor misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and failures in consideration or understanding.”

“I write because, exacting as it may be to do so, it is still more difficult to refrain, and because - however conscious of one's limitations one may be - there is always at the back of one's mind an irrational hope that this next book will be different: it will be the rounded achievement, the complete fulfilment. It never has been: yet I am still writing.”

Writing Mind May Has Beens Stills Book Different Next Difficult Achievement Conscious Limitation Irrational Refrain Fulfilment

Author:Iris Origo

“I believe, not theoretically, but from direct personal experience, that very few of the things that happen to us are purposeless or accidental (and this includes suffering and grief - even that of others), and that sometimes one catches a glimpse of the link between these happenings. I believe - even when I am myself blind and deaf, or even indifferent - in the existence of a mystery.”

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Author:Iris Origo

“To be a biographer is a somewhat peculiar endeavor. It seems to me it requires not only the tact, patience, and thoroughness of a scholar but the stamina of a horse.”

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Book:Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay

Source: Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay

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