A review of Michael Haag's posthumously published biography, 'Larry: A New Biography of Lawrence Durrell,' which covers Durrell's life up to 1945. The book focuses on the influence of place on Durrell's work, revealing new insights into his Anglo-Indian background and troubled childhood, and his time in Alexandria. It also touches on his darker side, though it doesn't cover later accusations of incest.
Larry: A New Biography of Lawrence Durrell by Michael Haag review – a Mediterranean life
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A review of Michael Haag's posthumously published biography, 'Larry: A New Biography of Lawrence Durrell,' which covers Durrell's life up to 1945. The book focuses on the influence of place on Durrell's work, revealing new insights into his Anglo-Indian background and troubled childhood, and his time in Alexandria. It also touches on his darker side, though it doesn't cover later accusations of incest.
- 1 1942: Larry touches down in Alexandria
- 2 1945: Biography cut-off point; 'Prospero’s Cell' published
- 3 1957: 'Bitter Lemons' published; Durrell becomes significant literary figure
- 4 1957-60: 'Alexandria Quartet' published
- 5 1969: 'Spirit of Place' published
- 6 1990: Lawrence Durrell died
- 7 2004: Michael Haag's 'Alexandria: City of Memory' published
- 8 2017: Michael Haag's 'The Durrells of Corfu' published
- 9 2020: Michael Haag died
- 10 July 2, 2025: Article published
- Biography provides new insights into Durrell's background and character
- Highlights his 'dark side'
- Leaves later accusations of incest unexplored
- Raises questions about Durrell's current literary reputation
What: Review of Michael Haag's biography of Lawrence Durrell, 'Larry: A New Biography of Lawrence Durrell.'
When: Biography covers up to 1945; Durrell's 'Spirit of Place' published 1969; 'Prospero’s Cell' 1945; 'Bitter Lemons' 1957; 'Alexandria Quartet' 1957-60; Durrell died 1990; Haag's 'Alexandria: City of Memory' 2004; Haag died 2020; 'The Durrells of Corfu' 2017.
Where: Corfu, Alexandria, Mediterranean, Punjab, India, Britain, Darjeeling, Cyprus.
Why: To review and assess Michael Haag's new, unfinished biography of Lawrence Durrell, highlighting its contributions and limitations.
How: The review analyzes Haag's approach to Durrell's life, focusing on the concept of 'place' and revealing new biographical details and insights into Durrell's character.