Anne Enright's latest collection, Attention, is a sparkling showcase of her nonfiction prowess. Over 24 essays, each with its own new introduction by Enright herself, the renowned author has curated a decade's worth of thought-provoking commentary on life, literature, and everything in between.
One of the most striking aspects of Attention is Enright's willingness to delve into subjects that might not initially seem compelling. She effortlessly weaves together personal narratives, cultural critiques, and literary analysis with infectious wit and precision. Her reflections on marriage, love, and relationships are both deeply relatable and profoundly insightful, making even the most mundane topics – like a dinner choice on holiday – feel charged with emotional resonance.
Enright's approach to reading is similarly noteworthy. In her essays about Joyce's Ulysses, she advocates for a more nuanced understanding of the text, suggesting that re-readings are essential to unlocking its complex meanings. This approach not only highlights Enright's own commitment to close reading but also underscores the importance of approaching literature with an open mind and a willingness to challenge one's assumptions.
Throughout Attention, Enright proudly invokes her literary heritage, drawing on the traditions of Irish writers like Edna O'Brien and Maeve Brennan. Her essays demonstrate a keen understanding of these authors' styles and concerns, while also showcasing her own unique voice and perspective. At times, this can feel a touch self-congratulatory, but it's tempered by Enright's characteristic humor and humility.
What sets Enright apart is her willingness to confront her own flaws and limitations. She acknowledges her own biases and insecurities, often with a wry wit that makes these moments feel less self-indulgent than confessional. Her discussion of aid workers, for example, reveals a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian work – one that's both compassionate and unsparing.
Ultimately, Attention is a collection that rewards close attention (no pun intended). Each line has been carefully crafted to delight the ear as well as challenge the mind. Enright's writing is a masterclass in precision, wit, and emotional intelligence – making this collection an essential addition to any reader's library.
One of the most striking aspects of Attention is Enright's willingness to delve into subjects that might not initially seem compelling. She effortlessly weaves together personal narratives, cultural critiques, and literary analysis with infectious wit and precision. Her reflections on marriage, love, and relationships are both deeply relatable and profoundly insightful, making even the most mundane topics – like a dinner choice on holiday – feel charged with emotional resonance.
Enright's approach to reading is similarly noteworthy. In her essays about Joyce's Ulysses, she advocates for a more nuanced understanding of the text, suggesting that re-readings are essential to unlocking its complex meanings. This approach not only highlights Enright's own commitment to close reading but also underscores the importance of approaching literature with an open mind and a willingness to challenge one's assumptions.
Throughout Attention, Enright proudly invokes her literary heritage, drawing on the traditions of Irish writers like Edna O'Brien and Maeve Brennan. Her essays demonstrate a keen understanding of these authors' styles and concerns, while also showcasing her own unique voice and perspective. At times, this can feel a touch self-congratulatory, but it's tempered by Enright's characteristic humor and humility.
What sets Enright apart is her willingness to confront her own flaws and limitations. She acknowledges her own biases and insecurities, often with a wry wit that makes these moments feel less self-indulgent than confessional. Her discussion of aid workers, for example, reveals a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian work – one that's both compassionate and unsparing.
Ultimately, Attention is a collection that rewards close attention (no pun intended). Each line has been carefully crafted to delight the ear as well as challenge the mind. Enright's writing is a masterclass in precision, wit, and emotional intelligence – making this collection an essential addition to any reader's library.
. She's like that one aunt who always says exactly what you need to hear but also makes you laugh 
. Her essays are so well-written, I feel like I'm having a conversation with her over tea 
. I love how she talks about stuff that's not usually cool, like marriage and relationships, but still manages to make it sound interesting and relatable 
. And can we talk about her approach to reading? Like, who knew re-reading Ulysses could be so exciting 
?! Anyway, this book is def a must-read for anyone who loves lit or just wants to learn more about life 
. And her approach to reading Joyce's Ulysses is so refreshing - I mean who else would say re-reading is essential to unlocking its meaning? 
It's clear she's done her homework on the great Irish writers, but what really sets her apart is her willingness to be vulnerable and self-aware 
... they're so in-depth and personal, it's like Anne Enright is having a conversation with you over a cup of coffee 
️. Her writing is all about the little things that make life interesting, like how she talks about aid workers and marriage being super relatable 
. And I love how she doesn't shy away from her own flaws – it's so refreshing to see someone be human on paper 
. The way she writes about Joyce's Ulysses makes me want to re-read the book for the millionth time... okay, maybe not that many times 
.
. The thing about Attention is that it just feels like more of the same old stuff from her - all these essays about marriage and love and relationships... I get it, she's got opinions on those things 
. And don't even get me started on how cheesy it gets when she invokes Irish literary heritage 
. It's just a bit too self-congratulatory at times, you know? But hey, I guess if you're into that sorta thing, Attention might be worth checking out 
. Just don't expect it to blow your mind or anything 
. And honestly, the whole "willingness to confront her own flaws and limitations" vibe feels a bit too calculated for me... like she's trying way too hard to seem relatable 
. Still, I suppose some people might actually enjoy it 
. Her writing is just so polished and precise, you can tell she's done her research and thought things through before putting pen to paper 
but overall, this collection is a must-read for anyone who loves good writing 
.
. What I admire most about Enright is how she's not afraid to be herself – flaws and all 
. It's like she's saying, "Hey, I'm human too, and I've got all these weird thoughts and feelings too." 
Anyway, if you haven't checked out Attention yet, do yourself a favour and get reading ASAP 
!
her essays are like little slices of heaven - each one is a masterclass in storytelling, critique, and emotional resonance 
her essays are like drinking tea with a clever friend who always says the right thing 
) anyway, if you haven't checked out attention yet, what are you even doing with your life?"
it's crazy how much depth & nuance u can pack into a single piece of writin. i loved how she breaks down complex literary concepts into super accessible language too 
especially the ones about marriage & love - so relatable & real, like u feel like ur sittin' in on a private convo with annie herself 
Yeah, I know it sounds weird, but trust me, she makes it work. And her take on Joyce's Ulysses is straight fire 
. Anyway, I'm off to give this collection a read – thanks for the rec!