By Gianna Ferace ’25
Dubbed as the Joan Didion of the west coast, Eve Babitz’s book of essays, Black Swans, touches on feminism, political aspects, Hollywood and love. Published in 1993, it’s arguably her best work for its matured narrative voice that seamlessly mixes with a touch of humor, pop culture and glamour.
I recently finished the book and it’s one of those reads that you cannot stop thinking about. Every page makes you want to pull out a pen and cover it in annotations.
Babitz has a unique way of writing about life, the way only someone who has lived a charmed life can. A bit out of touch and at times childishly selfish (she often escapes from life and ignores her problems by hiding out in her suite at the Chateau Marmont), you still can’t help but fall in love with her and the characters.
Babitz’s writing is effortless, airy, and conversational. These descriptions are used as praise by her fans and backhanded compliments by her critics.
While reading Black Swans, it felt like I was gossiping with a friend. Babitz’s tone is chatty and quick witted, and she takes us along on rides down the PCH, lunch at the Polo Lounge, and sprinkles sarcasm between the pages.
If you choose to pick up Black Swans and give it a read, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
