Alex's Reviews > How to Write an Autobiographical Novel

Having read The Queen of the Night, I was enticed to read Chee's latest collection of essays, but not really knowing what I was getting myself into. I am not sure if I as a non writer is the intended audience for a book largely looking at the events, choices and processes that turned Chee into who he is today as an author. That said, the collection of essays was eye openinng, offering insight into both the mundane thoughts writers work through as they construct their work, but also into the painful events that shape who they are but also who they seek to be on the page. With each new essay, I found myself initially disinterested or moderately so (who cares about planting roses in your garden, really) and by the end, after Chee has carefully taken us into the depths of his mind, I found myself catching my breath, and in awe at how easily he brought me in. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for passionate readers Chee offers something really special and I look forward to not only his future work, but also going back and reading the novel that is a the centre of this collection, Edinburgh.