This month I’m looking back at Giving Up the Ghost: a memoir by Hilary Mantel, which I first posted in April 2008.
This is the first paragraph:
In the first chapter of Hilary Mantel’s memoir she writes, ”I hardly know how to write about myself. Any style you pick seems to unpick itself before a paragraph is done.” She then advises herself to trust the reader, to stop spoon-feeding and patronising and write in ‘the most direct and vigorous way that you can.’ She worries that her writing isn’t clear, or that it is ‘deceptively clear’. It comes across to me as being clear, honest and very moving. She’s not looking for sympathy but has written this memoir to take charge of her memories, her childhood and childlessness, feeling that it is necessary to write herself into being.
Click here to read my full review
The next Throwback Thursday post is scheduled for April 29, 2021.
BooksPlease 
I really like this way of looking back at the reviews you’ve done, Margaret. And Mantel is a really interesting person (who’s written great books). Glad you chose this one.
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You’ve reminded me that I have a copy of this, it’s interesting thinking about the voice we have when trying to write and how readers will perceive it, I must read this.
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So glad you’re joining my little linky party!
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