Things I Don't Want to Know

Book excerpt: Things I Don't Want to Know is a unique response to George Orwell from one of our most vital contemporary writers. Taking Orwell's famous list of motives for writing as the jumping-off point for a sequence of thrilling reflections on the writing life, this is a perfect companion not just to Orwell's essay, but also to Levy's own, essential oeuvre. 'A powerful feminist response to Orwell's 'Why I Write'.' New Statesman 'Inspired by Orwell, another unique writer tells her tale. Marvellously right.' Independent 'Superb sharpness and originality of imagination. It is feminist and political while being an inspiring work of writing.' Marina Warner 'Original, unmissable. like chancing upon an oasis. The writing is of such quality that you want to drink it slowly.' Kate Kellaway, Guardian 'In her powerful rejoinder to Orwell, Deborah Levy responds to his proposed motives for writing -- 'sheer egoism', 'aesthetic enthusiasm', 'historical impulse' and 'political purpose' -- with illuminating moments of autobiography. A vivid, striking account of a writer's life, which feminises and personalises Orwell's blunt assertions.' Spectator 'It will be quoted for many years to come.' Irish Examiner