Vivian Gornick: A Life in Writing (Bristol Ideas)

The great American writer Vivian Gornick looks at writers and New York, feminism and the importance of books.
Gornick is one of America’s finest writers and critics. Her new collection, 'Taking A Long Look: Essays on Culture, Literature and Feminism in Our Time', brings together nearly 50 years of work exploring feminism and writing, literature and culture, politics and personal experience.
She explores the lives and literature of Alfred Kazin, Mary McCarthy, Diana Trilling, Philip Roth, Joan Didion, and Herman Melville; the cultural impact of 'Silent Spring' and 'Uncle Tom’s Cabin'; and the characters you might only find in a New York barber shop or midtown bus terminal.
In this special Festival of Ideas event, Gornick talks about Rachel Carson; New York City and walking; the time when books counted and why they are still important; American communists and the meaning of their involvement; feminism and #MeToo; and more.
Vivian Gornick is in conversation with Bristol Ideas director, Andrew Kelly.
Presented by Bristol Ideas. Find out more: www.bristolideas.co.uk/

[@MinyCalapa]

Fell upon the discovery of Vivian Gornick today by way of the use of a word, "self-possession" with which Google shared her quote, "Self-possession is the ability to face without fear life in all its contradictions." Pragmatically brilliant. Cannot wait to read her work! Cheers, Britt

[@iselaalcaraz6795]

Thank you Vivian for your contribution to humanity, by opening our eyes of the importance of work, independence, and to live without romantic love. And for women to take their brain seriously.