Elizabeth Strout: I would never ask someone to read my books!'
Briefly

"Nothing endures, not a tree" is a powerful reminder of impermanence, skillfully highlighted in A Separate Peace. This book sheds light on the damaging nature of jealousy that teens face, creating a reflective moment about the unavoidable transience of life.
Reading fosters empathy, as I discovered in childhood with an unnamed book, awakening the realization that literature allows us to glimpse into others' experiences and mirrors ourselves. This understanding ignited my passion for writing, shaping my identity.
Gertrude Stein's works, particularly The Autobiography of Alice B Toklas, initially eluded me, yet curiosity allowed for a deeper understanding over time. It reflects how growth can make us appreciate a creator's perspective, transforming our engagement with art.
Rereading Mrs Dalloway every few years has shown me how personal growth influences interpretation. Each encounter with the text reveals new layers, reflecting both my evolving perspective and the poignant themes of aging and sadness.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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