Anne Enright's latest collection, Attention, is a sparkling showcase of her unique voice and perspective on life, literature, and everything in between. The 24 essays, each accompanied by a new introduction from the author herself, demonstrate her mastery of language and her ability to find depth and meaning in even the most seemingly mundane subjects.
From the fascinating story of how she first encountered Samuel Beckett's Happy Days, set amidst the sodden fields of the Aran Islands, to her candid observations on marriage and mortality, Enright tackles topics with her signature wit and insight. Her writing is both personal and universal, making it impossible not to become invested in her stories and ideas.
One of the standout aspects of Attention is Enright's approach to reading and re-reading literature. She advocates for rereading works like James Joyce's Ulysses multiple times, each time uncovering new layers of meaning and complexity. Her suggestions are both practical and provocative, inviting readers to engage with texts in a more active and deliberate way.
Enright is also unafraid to discuss her own literary influences and the writers who have shaped her work. Her essays on Edna O'Brien and Maeve Brennan, for example, demonstrate a deep understanding of their styles and themes. At the same time, she is willing to confront her own biases and limitations, acknowledging that no one is perfect – least of all herself.
Throughout Attention, Enright's writing is marked by its clarity, accuracy, and lightness. She eschews self-indulgence in favor of a more measured approach, using humor and irony to illuminate even the most difficult subjects. Her commitment to the values of accuracy, clarity, insight, and lightness sets her apart as a writer who is not afraid to tackle tough topics with wit and sensitivity.
Ultimately, Attention is a collection that invites readers to pay attention – to themselves, to others, and to the world around them. Enright's writing is a masterclass in engagement, encouraging us to slow down, reflect, and truly see the world anew. With its unique blend of humor, insight, and literary nuance, this book is sure to delight and inspire anyone who picks it up.
From the fascinating story of how she first encountered Samuel Beckett's Happy Days, set amidst the sodden fields of the Aran Islands, to her candid observations on marriage and mortality, Enright tackles topics with her signature wit and insight. Her writing is both personal and universal, making it impossible not to become invested in her stories and ideas.
One of the standout aspects of Attention is Enright's approach to reading and re-reading literature. She advocates for rereading works like James Joyce's Ulysses multiple times, each time uncovering new layers of meaning and complexity. Her suggestions are both practical and provocative, inviting readers to engage with texts in a more active and deliberate way.
Enright is also unafraid to discuss her own literary influences and the writers who have shaped her work. Her essays on Edna O'Brien and Maeve Brennan, for example, demonstrate a deep understanding of their styles and themes. At the same time, she is willing to confront her own biases and limitations, acknowledging that no one is perfect – least of all herself.
Throughout Attention, Enright's writing is marked by its clarity, accuracy, and lightness. She eschews self-indulgence in favor of a more measured approach, using humor and irony to illuminate even the most difficult subjects. Her commitment to the values of accuracy, clarity, insight, and lightness sets her apart as a writer who is not afraid to tackle tough topics with wit and sensitivity.
Ultimately, Attention is a collection that invites readers to pay attention – to themselves, to others, and to the world around them. Enright's writing is a masterclass in engagement, encouraging us to slow down, reflect, and truly see the world anew. With its unique blend of humor, insight, and literary nuance, this book is sure to delight and inspire anyone who picks it up.
You gotta trust that Anne Enright's gonna make reading a journey worth taking! Her writing might just help us "pay attention" to the little things in life... 
I just read this amazing essay on Anne Enright's latest collection "Attention" and I'm still reeling from the experience 
! Her writing is like a breath of fresh air, so refreshing and engaging - she has this incredible ability to find depth in even the most ordinary things. And her take on rereading literature? Mind-blown 
I've always been guilty of rushing through books without really stopping to think about them, but Enright's got me convinced that there's so much more to discover with each read 
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She's got this wicked way of making you laugh while still tackling really deep topics like marriage and mortality. I love how she talks about rereading literature - like, who hasn't been guilty of just skim-reading a book without really thinking about it? 
Her writing is so clear and accessible that you'll actually want to go back and read stuff multiple times, which I think is super cool. And what I admire most is how she's not afraid to talk about her own biases and limitations - like, who am I kidding, we're all flawed! 
Anyway, if you haven't checked out Attention yet, def add it to your reading list ASAP 
She's got this amazing way of making you see new things in the books you thought you knew inside out. I'm totally adding rereading literature to my new year goals now! 
i love how she's not afraid to share her own thoughts and feelings, it makes the whole book feel more intimate and real 
reading this has made me wanna reread all these classic books with fresh eyes too 
what's your fave essay in attention btw?