BOOK BRIEF

The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone

Olivia Laing
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The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2016

Book Brief

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Olivia Laing

The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

New York City • 2000s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone, Olivia Laing explores urban solitude through the lives and works of iconic artists like Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, and David Wojnarowicz, revealing how loneliness shapes creativity in a bustling metropolis. The narrative intertwines personal experiences with art history, examining the intersection of isolation and artistic expression.

Reviews & Readership

4.1

32,167 ratings

71%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Olivia Laing's The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone masterfully blends personal narrative with art history, exploring urban loneliness. Critics praise its insightful analysis and empathetic tone, though some find it meandering. Overall, the book is lauded for its poignant reflections on solitude and connection through the lens of various artists.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone?

The ideal reader for The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone by Olivia Laing enjoys introspective narratives blending memoir, art criticism, and social commentary. Fans of Rebecca Solnit's A Field Guide to Getting Lost and Maggie Nelson's The Argonauts will appreciate Laing's nuanced exploration of solitude through the lens of urban life and artistic expression.

4.1

32,167 ratings

71%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

New York City • 2000s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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