Meeting the Devil

This anthology features a wide range of memoirs from notable authors, showcasing diverse experiences and reflections on life. Meeting the Devil is a compelling collection.

In Meeting the Devil, readers are presented with a remarkable anthology of memoirs that have graced the pages of the London Review of Books since its inception in 1979. This collection features a diverse array of voices and experiences, from Lorna Sage’s poignant reflections on her childhood during the Second World War with her grandfather to Jenny Diski’s imaginative contemplation of her own burial. Hilary Mantel’s gripping narrative about confronting a strongman while on her hospital bed adds to the depth and intrigue of this volume.

The anthology also includes Julian Barnes’ candid thoughts on not winning the Booker Prize, Andrew O’Hagan’s admission of his past as a schoolboy bully, and A. J. P. Taylor’s surreal hallucinatory experiences. Alan Bennett, who provides a preface, shares a whimsical account of the woman living in his drive, while Tariq Ali recounts his misadventures in Pyongyang. Each essay showcases the authors’ unique perspectives, whether it be Anne Enright’s fascination with Henrietta Lacks or Frank Kermode’s wartime stories.

Meeting the Devil is not just a collection; it is a testament to the power of autobiographical writing. With contributions from esteemed writers such as Edward Said and Terry Castle, this volume captures the essence of self-portraiture through various lenses—be it poker tables, coal mines, or complex friendships. It invites readers to explore the intricate tapestry of human experience and the stories that shape us.