Janet Malcolm Understood the Power of Not Being Nice'
Briefly

Janet Malcolm was often perceived as a ruthless journalist, with descriptors like 'Queen of Not-Nice' defining her persona in the literary world. Her writing, revered for its psychological insight, transformed complex subjects into captivating narratives. Critics noted her ability to dissect situations and personalities with a chilling precision, leading to a mixed legacy of both affection and trepidation. Despite her often harsh portrayal, her friends and colleagues recognize a sophisticated elegance in her prose that deeply resonated within the literary community, revealing the complex dynamics of her influence and perception.
Even in her lifetime, critics labeled Janet Malcolm as ruthlessly cold, with descriptors like 'master of pitiless prose' and 'Queen of Not-Nice' framing her formidable persona.
Malcolm wielded her pen like a scalpel, exposing the psychological undercurrents beneath her subjects, which prompted both admiration and discomfort from her readers and critics alike.
Read at www.nytimes.com
[
|
]