The Four-Chambered Heart , Anas Nins 1950 novel, recounts the real-life affair she conducted with caf guitarist Gonzalo Mor in 1936. Nin and Mor rented a house-boat on the Seine, and under the pervading influence of the boats watchman and Mors wife Helba, developed a relationship. Mor; named the boat Nanankepichu , meaning "not really a home."
In the novel, which Nin drew from her experiences on the boat, the characters are clearly based. Djuna is an embodiment of Nin herself. A young dancer in search of fulfillment, she encapsulates all that the author was striving for at that time. The character of Djuna features in other novels, perhaps weaving a directly autobiographical thread into Nins fiction. The gypsy musician, Rango, is therefore Mor, and his invalid wife is Zora. The old watchman is present as a force which, along with Zora, works against the lovers in their quest for happiness.
Nins main concern is the "outside," and how it affects the "interior." Water is a cleverly used theme. I have no great fear of depths, says Djuna, and a great fear of shallow living. Rango and Djunas relationship is, in effect, their effort to remain afloat. Often, Nin employs a stream of consciousness, especially in her flowing analyses of love, life and music, which continues the water image.
Anas Nins writing is typically exquisite in its detail and texture. She describes its "black lacquered cobblestones" and "silver filigree trees." The "humid scarfs of fog" on the river, and "the sharp incense of roasted chestnuts" reveal their source through their Nins personal experience.

Four Chambered Heart

by Anaïs Nin

Anais Nin

Swallow Press/Ohio University Press

United States, United States of America

Reprinted, Chicago, ©1987

Denver, Colorado, 1959

Athens, Ohio, 1992

1, PT, 1959

"First Swallow Press/Ohio University Press edition 1979"--T.p. verso.

topic: Women; French fiction

Type: 英文图书

Bookmarks:
1. (p1) CONTENTS

theme: Women; French fiction

Djuna, a young dancer, falls into an affair with Rango, a married gypsy musician. They rent a houseboat together on the Seine. Rango's invalid wife and the houseboat watchman thwart the lovers' search for happiness

2023-06-28