Memoirs of Many in One by Alex Xenophon Demirjian Gray, edited by Patrick White

Even the countless readers and admirers of White, who have tasted and savoured his magnificent novels over more than four and a half decades, and have glimpsed the dazzling reflections he set before us in his self-portrait, Flaws in the Glass, may not be prepared for the unforgettable experience of reading his anxiously awaited and truly remarkable new novel. Edited by White, these memoirs are a stage upon which the Nobel Prise winner himself appear, a supporting actor and anxious director of his many faced, spell binding leading lady, Alex Xenophon Demirjian Gray Enter Alex: quick-change artist of many personae - re-enacting all that she has experienced in her various lives. We see her as Cassiani, the nun with unexpectedly blue eyes, sweeper of mouse droppings, lover of Onouphrios the monk, who is rejected by the 'Christians' of Nisos as an evil-eyed sorceress; as Sister Benedict, who on the Feast of the Kippers leads the frailest member of her order into the bush, there to learn the source of goodness; as Dolly Formosa, star-turn of 'Alex Gray's Theatrical Tour of Outback Australia', dispensing culture to a reluctant audience. These are just a sampling of a host of guises. We also see Alex in her suburban Sydney home, exasperating her daughter Hilda, who cannot imagine the great flights her mother's temperament requires and which the state of her mind allows. It is a prodigious and intoxicating performance and the book a great literary event. Outrageous, hilarious, moving Memoirs of Many in One punctuated and underlines all the previous achievements of a generously prolific and eminent literary career.

1st Edition 1986 in perfect unread condition. The hardcover is excellent with original brown cloth like hardcover with gilt lettering. When you look from the top of the book there is some discolouration.The dust jacket is in great condition. You may like to see the other books I have listed. Pick up Mt Albert, Auckland.