Diana: A Strange Autobiography

by Diana Frederics and Julie Abraham

Book Overview

This is the unusual and compelling story of Diana, a tantalizingly beautiful woman who sought love in the strange by-paths of Lesbos. Fearless and outspoken, it dares to reveal that hidden world where perfumed caresses and half-whispered endearments constitute the forbidden fruits in a Garden of Eden where men are never accepted.

This is how Diana: A Strange Autobiography was described when it was published in paperback in...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0814726356
• ISBN13: 9780814726358
• Release Date: June 1995
• Publisher: New York University Press
• Length: 282 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A great look book

I have recently read this autobiography and I must say it was a wonderful book. It was a real page turner and I read it in one sitting. The author tells the story of her life as a lesbian and the various relationships she went through. What was most poignant I thought was how the authors story is one which I believe many lesbian women can relate to and even though it was written in 1939 it just as well could have been written today with perhaps a few minor exceptions. I would definatley recomment this book.

Curiosity is why I read this book and it was amazing!

This book had me curious to begin with. It was written in 1939 and I was just fascinated with how it was like for a lesbian in that period. I loved the way the chapters were written and her introduction to the characters made me want to turn the page even more. I loved her psychology references as she attempts to explain why she and other's in her life are lesbians. It was enlightening to read her perspective of that time of life. I really enjoyed this book, however the words and lingo used in 1939 are quite different than the way we talk now. Even though I was expecting this.....I was marveled by how much I didn't know. This book I was going to share this book but I am keeping this one for my bookshelf!

The Endearing Honesty of A Woman's Life

My husband happened upon a copy of the original book in a thrift store and brought it home. It has now found a place of honor on my shelves. It takes you on Diana's journey through her self-discovery as a lesbian, through her brother's rejection of it, to the pain of heartbreak, to the lover that was a recurring interference, and to finally resting comfortably and contendly in the arms of the love that would be to stay. The book takes you through her childhood, her travels, and her education. She presents the story of a lesbian who is not out to emmasculate men, nor to promote women as the supreme goddess. She simply walked the road of her soul.

Compelling and realistic

This book was originally published in 1935. I was surprised to find that it was an honest, realistic telling of one woman's journey to accepting her orientation and owning love. No sensationalism here. One of the scenes was so startlingly similar to an experience of mine that I felt the hairs on the back of my neck raise. A lesbian-positive book that really brings forth the idea of authentic living and how to get there. That it was written 30 years before I was born gives me courage--if she emerged from her journey whole, then so can I.