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The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone
336 pages, 2016
Olivia Laing moved to New York City, in her mid-thirties, and found herself living in loneliness every day. Intrigued by this shameful experience, she discovered that art could provide a window into loneliness.
Her exploration of the lonely city included works by Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, Henry David Thoreau, and others as well as writers such as Dominique Browning and Elizabeth Hardwick. Ultimately, her exploration led her to believe that art can help redeem and reduce feelings of loneliness.
The Lonely City by Olivia Laing explores the concept of loneliness in a unique way. She takes us on a journey through her own experiences and the lives of famous artists, showing us that loneliness is not just a personal feeling, but a universal human experience.
Laing digs into the lives of several artists who have used their work to express their feelings of isolation. This book gives us a new perspective on art, showing us how it can be a powerful tool for understanding and expressing our own feelings of loneliness.
Even though the book explores the theme of loneliness, it also highlights the importance of connection. Laing shows us that even in our loneliest moments, we are not truly alone. We can find solace in the shared experiences of others, and in the connections we make with the world around us.
The author uses the city as a metaphor for loneliness. Just like a city can be bustling with activity yet still feel isolating, we too can feel alone even when surrounded by people. This book encourages us to look deeper into our own experiences and find the beauty in our solitude.
One of the key takeaways from The Lonely City is that loneliness can be a catalyst for personal growth. Through her research, Laing shows us that it's in our moments of solitude that we can truly get to know ourselves and find our own unique voice.
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The Lonely City is a stunning homage to how extreme loneliness can make us more hospitable to the strangeness of others - to the risks and innovations of art and artists. Laing has produced a remarkable work that weaves together personal history, reportage, biography and art criticism.
Hilary Mantel - British novelistThe Lonely City is a roving cultural history of urban loneliness, centered on the ultimate city: Manhattan. Olivia Laing, through the lives of some iconic artists, delivers a range of sharp insights and makes a persuasive case for the value of loneliness.
Rebecca Solnit - American writerLaing's book changes the perception of loneliness, illuminates it, and validates it. It's a book that's not just about loneliness, it's a book about being human.
Jeanette Winterson - English writerThe Lonely City is a brave work, a memoir that blends art, loneliness, and the essence of human connection. It's a book that's both personal and universal.
Ali Smith - Scottish authorOlivia Laing's The Lonely City is a haunting, beautiful exploration of the spaces between people and the things that draw them together. It's a book that builds bridges to the lonely city within all of us.
David Mitchell - British novelist