Curriculum Vitae: A Volume of Autobiography

Certainly there are no great emotional spillages in this account of her life, but I appreciated reading Muriel Spark's own voice in what she chooses to write about. The Edinburgh childhood is vivid, family, school, friendships, shops and streets. Her much admired teacher Miss Frances Kay was an inspiration for Jean Brodie in 'The Pride Of...' Muriel's restlessness contributed to an early marriage at age 19 which involved moving to Southern Rhodesia, but her husband's dark moods and mental health problems led to an early divorce. Then leaving her young son with her parents in Edinburgh, she describes the urgent need to be a writer while doing a variety of jobs including secret war work for the Foreign Office. Her life in a lively hostel for working women formed the basis for 'The Girls of Slender Means.' Her conflicts with people while being the editor of The Poetry Review, became fodder for 'Loitering with Intent.' She can sound scathing and opinionated, intelligent and affectionate.She writes about various relationships, obviously from her point of view. I found the writing clear, uncluttered, interesting, and would have the read the next volume which she says at the end, she intends to write, but which did not appear. She became a novelist sort of by chance, after winning a short story competition for the Observer, but always considered herself primarily a poet. She makes this point enough times that I have ordered a book of her poems to peruse.

There's a preface by Elaine Feinstein which largely consist of criticism Miss Spark's mothering skills. Wish I hadn't read it, it's irrelevant, impertinent and frankly disgraceful. Someone needs to remind Miss Feinstein, of the sanctity of the parent/child relationship.For those that enjoy Muriel Spark's writing style, this is an excellent, very entertaining book. As the title suggests, it is an autobiography, sadly only covering the first part of her life.She talks, at length of growing up in 1920s and 30s Edinburgh, from where she clearly developed her prose style. Christina Kay, 'that teacher', comes up several times, as do other referenced topics. Places and people, are described with her usual, respectful, observation and wit.As someone who lived in Edinburgh, for a number of years, I do love her descriptions of what makes that city so interesting. Reading any of her work, I usually imagine it being spoken by one of those ladies of the South Side, which Muriel Spark is.There is the occasional direct humour. She describes a neighbour who practices singing every day, 'To go to sleep, listening to Maudie insisting on ever higher and higher notes, until she knew Her Redeemer Liveith, gave one a sense of community'.For the most part, her recollections, which she has carefully researched, with the help of relatives, including her son and old friends, in various parts of the world, sparkle with her careful, courtly style, betraying a hint captiousness.If you enjoy Muriel Spark, you will enjoy this. Sadly, since she has now died, it is, perhaps, the last bite we shall have, of that

What was apparently to have been the first of multiple volumes. Focuses on her early life to the launch of The Comforters. Full of memory. Self-assured about most things, reticent as to others. Often highly critical and revealing of the people she most despises while closely guarding her own image and reputation.

Good quality book and fast delivery

I had to force myself to finish this autobiography out of respect for the author.Very little information of the private person...altogether rather Luke warm.Disappointing.

Sorry, I don't really like this...not all good authors can write well about themselves...

In an age when mediocraties are eulogised by the media it is wonderful to have a reminder of what a real talent looks like.