I Am Alien to Life

Djuna Barnes, celebrated for her groundbreaking novel Nightwood, made significant contributions to literature long before its publication through her journalism, essays, and dramatic works. This audiobook compiles her most cherished short stories alongside rare pieces, reflecting her distinctive and often scathing worldview. The tales explore themes of love, death, and the complexities of life, presenting vividly drawn characters who embody both the tragic and the tumultuous aspects of existence, particularly in the vibrant settings of Paris and New York. Merve Emre's foreword highlights the striking depth of Barnes's characters, who, while often alien to us, resonate with a bold and grotesque vitality.