Here But Not Here by Lillian Ross is a
non-fiction memoir about her life with William Shawn and her time with The
New Yorker magazine. She was a renowned writer, Shawn was the fabled
editor, and together there was a forty year love affair. He remained married to
his wife and Lillian Ross respected that marriage. The wife knew about Ross and
gave the relationship her blessing. Yes, this is a bit bizarre to contemplate,
and yet it worked. She felt she had a “normal” life and never dated others,
never considered her “single” life sad. She did not make demands of Shawn. The
time they could spend together at work and go out in New York City proved
enough. He did not shirk his kids, etc. This was a case for him of
being immersed in love – a married love, and an amazing connection love.
The book covers the 1950s to Shawn’s death in 1992. Ross
writes about meeting Shawn, her respect for him, her writing career, her time
in Hollywood covering a John Huston film, and her life in New York. Here
But Not Here is fascinating. It’s not creepy weird. Yes, real
life is stranger than fiction. And so is love. They had an intellectual
connection that transcended conventions.
Lillian Ross’s descriptions of being a writer for The
New Yorker, her respect for the magazine and it’s writers, her respect
for the editors is rather interesting and pertinent for today. The amount
of work and editing and quality required was enormous. I’ve read other books by
Ross – i.e. a collection of her articles and essays. She’s a talent, and this
book – a memoir – is well done. Quite a tale!
Sounds like a fantastic read Joanne.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
interesting people, especially for back in the 1950s.
DeleteI usually enjoy memoirs. I'm not familiar with these people, but the story in their lives sounds interesting if not weird.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
it struck me as rather odd too, and yet it seemed to work for them. They were a "power" couple back in the day
DeletePeople with respect for the media in any fashion are few and far between. Sounds like a good one indeed.
ReplyDeletethey were at the top of the game back then, that's for sure
DeleteFascinating that they were all able to make their relationship(s) work. Seems complicated to me, but to each his and her own, I suppose. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. I kept pondering the concept, but to each his own I guess
DeleteHi Joanne - well I'd love to read this and understand more about this time in their lives and that era - sounds so interesting ... I'll be looking for it in the library - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeletePS gosh she lived to 99 ... some tales to tell ... fascinating - thank you!
The New Yorker is and was big time media. Interesting backdrop, that's for sure.
DeleteThis sounds like a bizarre relationship, but who are we to judge? If it worked for them, it worked for them. And ya know? I wouldn't be surprised if there are a lot more relationships around like this than we can imagine.
ReplyDeleteYou didn't let us comment on the most recent post, so I'll say it here: It's a blessing to have friendships like that. I know you cherish them. Have a wonderful weekend. No laboring!
just got home from work. I labored way too hard this week. I'm headed out to the pool. I plan to float along thru Monday.
DeleteSounds like a great read. Those kinds of relationships are extremely rare and complicated but I guess if all parties agree on the terms....'separate but equal'. Did the book mention if the wife had someone on the side too?
ReplyDelete