In Didion & Babitz, Lili Anolik masterfully unravels the intricate relationship between two of Los Angeles’ most compelling writers: Joan Didion and Eve Babitz. Through meticulous research and newly discovered letters, Anolik illuminates how these two seemingly opposite forces—didion’s cool reserve and Babitz’s wild abandon—shaped both each other and the literary landscape of 1960s and ’70s Los Angeles.
A Deep Dive into the Archives
The book’s genesis lies in a remarkable discovery: boxes of Eve Babitz’s personal papers, preserved by her mother and uncovered after her death in 2021. These documents, particularly Babitz’s candid letters, serve as a skeleton key to understanding not just Eve herself, but also the enigmatic Joan Didion. Anolik’s investigative journalism shines as she pieces together a complex narrative from these primary sources.
Strengths and Notable Achievements
Anolik excels at:
- Capturing the electric atmosphere of 1960s Hollywood
- Drawing insightful parallels between her subjects’ writing styles and personalities
- Unearthing previously unknown details about both writers’ lives
- Presenting a nuanced view of female artistic ambition
Where the Book Falls Short
Despite its many merits, Didion & Babitz occasionally:
- Veers into speculation about personal motivations
- Shows bias in favor of Babitz over Didion
- Loses focus when exploring peripheral characters
- Struggles to maintain objectivity in analyzing the writers’ falling out
The Franklin Avenue Scene
The heart of the book revolves around 7406 Franklin Avenue, Didion’s Hollywood home that became a cultural nexus. Anolik brilliantly reconstructs this scene, populating it with fascinating characters like Earl McGrath, Michelle Phillips, and Harrison Ford. The author demonstrates how this location served as both crucible and catalyst for both writers’ careers.
Style and Structure
Anolik adopts an appropriately impressionistic approach, matching her subjects’ literary styles. The narrative weaves between past and present, creating a tapestry that reflects both writers’ preoccupation with memory and time. While this approach generally works well, it occasionally becomes disorienting.
Critical Analysis
The book’s most significant achievement is its exploration of how Didion and Babitz represented opposing approaches to California identity. Didion’s clinical dissection of LA’s darkness contrasts with Babitz’s sensual celebration of its pleasures. Anolik argues convincingly that each writer needed the other as a foil.
Contemporary Relevance
Didion & Babitz arrives at a moment of renewed interest in both writers, particularly Babitz, whose work has enjoyed a recent renaissance. Anolik’s book helps contextualize this revival while raising important questions about female authorship and authority.
Areas for Improvement
A more balanced treatment of Didion would have strengthened the book. While Anolik’s affection for Babitz is understandable, it sometimes leads to oversimplified portrayals of Didion as calculating and cold.
Literary Merit
The writing itself is sharp and engaging, though occasionally prone to speculation. Anolik’s style—blending academic analysis with gossipy detail—mirrors her subjects’ approaches to their craft.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, Didion & Babitz makes an important contribution to literary history and California studies. It’s essential reading for fans of either writer, though readers should approach its more speculative elements with healthy skepticism.
Similar Works and Context
Readers interested in this book might also enjoy:
- Hollywood’s Eve (Anolik’s previous book about Babitz)
- The White Album by Joan Didion
- Slow Days, Fast Company by Eve Babitz
- Eve’s Hollywood by Eve Babitz
- Personal Effects: Essays on Memoir, Teaching, and Culture in the Work of Louise DeSalvo by Nancy Caronia
For Further Reading
The book serves as an excellent companion to both writers’ works, particularly:
- Didion’s Play It As It Lays
- Babitz’s Sex and Rage
- Their respective essay collections about Los Angeles
This imperfect but fascinating study illuminates not just two remarkable writers, but an entire era of American literary and cultural history. While it may not be the definitive work on either Didion or Babitz, it opens new avenues for understanding their complex relationship and enduring influence.
