Sybille Bedford: An Appetite for Life

Sybille Bedford was a British novelist and memoirist who lived from 1891 to 1977. She was the daughter of a wealthy socialite and litterateur and was born in London. Bedford's life was filled with intense friendships, a fierce commitment to the craft of writing, and an insatiable appetite for love and sex. Her memoir, "A Room of One's Own," was published in 1929 and became a classic of feminist literature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Sybille Bedford's life was a tapestry of grand emotions and seismic events, encompassing the twentieth century's wars, peace, love, trauma, friendship, and death. Tragically, her father passed away when she was just fourteen, and her mother, a renowned socialite and writer, succumbed to a debilitating morphine addiction. Undeterred, she embarked on a journey of exploration, traversing countries in search of fresh experiences, her senses finely attuned to her surroundings, and her trusty typewriter always at the ready.

In the midst of her adventures, Sybille formed deep and enduring friendships with notable figures such as Aldous Huxley, Martha Gellhorn, and Elizabeth Jane Howard. Her unwavering commitment to the craft of writing was evident in her prolific output, and her insatiable appetite for love and sex drove her artistic endeavors.

Selina Hastings' captivating biography delves into the life of this shy writer, unveiling not only her private world but also the vibrant and tumultuous literary landscape of the twentieth century. The book offers a delightful blend of gossip and insight, providing a captivating portrait of Sybille Bedford and her remarkable journey.

Critics have hailed the biography as a gem, praising its ability to capture the essence of the writer and her era. The Sunday Times, in its Books of the Year review, described it as a "wonderful biography," highlighting the author's "colourful, turbulent 20th-century literary world." Sara Wheeler of the Spectator praised the book as "an extraordinary story," while The Times praised it as a "richly entertaining biography." The Daily Mail also lauded the biography, calling it a "riveting read" and a " Books of the Year."

In conclusion, Sybille Bedford's life was a testament to resilience, passion, and the indomitable spirit of exploration. Selina Hastings' biography offers a captivating glimpse into her remarkable life, capturing the essence of a writer who blazed her own path and left an indelible mark on the literary world.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784704377