Truth & Beauty is an unusual memoir. It's about the experiences of two people: the author and her best friend, poet/writer Lucy Grealy while they are struggling to become published writers and teachers, and the decline in their relationship after achieving their career goals and Lucy becomes a heroine addict.
Lucy lost most of her lower jaw and teeth from chemotherapy and radiation after being diagnosed with a rare cancer when she was an adolescent. We read about many of her reconstructive surgeries, those with positive results, perhaps not long-lasting, others total failures. I could understand their complicated relationship somewhat. Lucy's social development was far from normal and Ann was an unconditionally accepting friend, Lucy's go-to person for emotional and often financial support.
The book cover illustration of the grasshopper and the ant reflect the theme that dominates the book. Lucy often took unexpected flights whether it was to have an affair or for health reasons. Ann, like an ant was the plodding, hard worker, the never-failing responsible friend.
There is controversy about whether or not Grealy would have wanted Patchett to write a book about her life with such intimate details. (The book was written after Grealy's death). Grealy reveals her own experiences in her best-selling book, Autobiography of a Face.
Lucy lost most of her lower jaw and teeth from chemotherapy and radiation after being diagnosed with a rare cancer when she was an adolescent. We read about many of her reconstructive surgeries, those with positive results, perhaps not long-lasting, others total failures. I could understand their complicated relationship somewhat. Lucy's social development was far from normal and Ann was an unconditionally accepting friend, Lucy's go-to person for emotional and often financial support.
The book cover illustration of the grasshopper and the ant reflect the theme that dominates the book. Lucy often took unexpected flights whether it was to have an affair or for health reasons. Ann, like an ant was the plodding, hard worker, the never-failing responsible friend.
There is controversy about whether or not Grealy would have wanted Patchett to write a book about her life with such intimate details. (The book was written after Grealy's death). Grealy reveals her own experiences in her best-selling book, Autobiography of a Face.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
