Pentimento (Back Bay Books)

I first read Pentimento when I was in my 20's. Now that I'm in my 70's it remains my favorite. I guess that's a considerable recommendation since conservatively speaking I have read well over 5,000 books...that's a guesstimate since I'm too tired from "staying put" to actually figure it out.... it is the one book that has remained with me throughout many book purges. This book has two other Hellman stories and I've of course read them but Pentimento stays with me always. Have never read what I consider "trash" and the heigth of boredom: romance novels or just boring: science fiction, too often poorly written. Have traveled through every other genre and this remains my favorite. Go figure.

This is, by far, one of the best written books I've ever read. It's about family and friends, both of which are probably quite different than your own...don't let that put you off. It's live accounts of times we probably all wish we'd been able to enjoy ourselves, and of some that we'd probably like to forget. It's funny and lively and thoughtful and one of my very favorite books. I've read it twice, once in my 20's and again in my 50's, and it's only gotten better. Just read it.

A somewhat melancholy but endearing account of some of the many people Lillian Hellman met over the years. The chapter on “Julia” was turned into a lovely film with Jane Fonda & Vanessa Redgrave! I very much enjoyed Pentimento.

A rather strange and lonely iconic figure, but one who did it to herself, and seemingly deliberately. Rather than "Pentimento", it would seem more apt to have been titled, "The Lonely Life".

Book carefully shipped and in perfect condition

Received the book promptly. However, the book itself was not representative of the way it was described. I have ordered used books on many, many occasions and always I was not disappointed upon receiving them. This time the book was described as VERY GOOD with some minor details that would still make the book a bargain. However, when I got it I was disappointed because the book was not as described. I would describe the book as ACCEPTABLE. I am fortunate to receive PENTIMENTO, just sorry that the condition of the book was not as described.

for her ability to write "around" what she really wants you to know ... her ability to convey the meaning between words.

The book is in excellent condition, and the price was amazing!

This is a autobiography of sorts, with re-remembered people Hellman knew and loved. There is Beth, there is Willy, and there is Julia- The story of Julia is the most moving, and Hellman does not shy from revealing her own insecurities, and fears, and courage. I had read this book way back in 1979. I knew I wanted to re-read it and saved my original paper-back- Unfortunately the print is now too small for me to read, and I re-read it in a more recent re-print. Buy it. Read it.