Literature
Summer Reading Group: Memoirs and Reflections
An all-levels reading group exploring three memoirs through introductory talks, close reading and group discussion.
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About this course
The course examines memoirs by Natalia Ginzburg, Deborah Orr and Deborah Levy, considering how personal experience is shaped by historical, social and cultural contexts. Discussion will include themes such as girlhood, womanhood, family, motherhood, love, vocation and writing.
What you'll learn
- Identify historical, social and cultural contexts relevant to each memoir
- Apply close-reading techniques to analyse how the memoir form conveys meaning
- Discuss memoirs as literary texts
Is this course right for you?
The group is intended for learners at all levels and does not require previous literary study. Participants should be interested in literary memoir and willing to prepare by reading assigned texts, contribute to discussion and consider other participants’ views.
- Set texts should be read before each session
- Sessions include tutor-led introductions and group discussion
- Secondary readings will be provided
Before you go
- Participants should buy or borrow Natalia Ginzburg’s The Little Virtues, Deborah Orr’s Motherwell and Deborah Levy’s The Position of Spoons: and Other Intimacies.