Francine Prose, a renowned novelist and critic, presents her first memoir, “1974: A Personal History,” scheduled for release in 2024 by Harper. The memoir serves as a poignant reflection on personal and political history, showcasing Prose’s remarkable prose style. During a recent MFA course, Prose remarked that “you can’t teach writing,” yet her extensive body of work—counting over thirty books—demonstrates that much can be learned about writing through her storytelling.
Set against the backdrop of 1974, a pivotal year in both Prose’s life and American history, the memoir chronicles her experiences at the age of twenty-six. After leaving her marriage, she published her debut novel, “Judah the Pious,” and was already working on a new project while relocating to San Francisco. Prose captures the essence of this transformative period, reflecting on her yearning for independence: “I liked feeling free, alive and on edge, even a little bit afraid … I wanted to feel like an outlaw.” The San Francisco of the early ’70s was rife with activism, but it also marked a disillusionment for those who had hoped for radical change from the previous decade. Prose notes, “If the late ’60s were about believing in the possibility of fundamental change, the 1970s were about the dawning realization that the changes we’d wanted weren’t going to happen.”
In her memoir, Prose details her relationship with Anthony Russo, an anti-Vietnam War whistleblower known for leaking the Pentagon Papers. She expresses admiration for Russo, describing him as a unique individual: “I had never met anyone like Tony.” However, she also reveals his frustrations regarding recognition compared to Daniel Ellsberg. Prose illuminates their late-night drives in Russo’s old Buick, skillfully depicting San Francisco’s atmosphere: “As we headed west through Outer Sunset and circling back along the avenues of Outer Richmond, bright streaks of neon signage dripped down the windshield onto the glistening streets.”
The chemistry between Prose and Russo is palpable, as they bond over politics, literature, and humor. Prose notes, “Gravity’s Rainbow was one of our favorite novels,” which encapsulated their belief in history’s sinister complexities. While she longs for deeper emotional ties, she often finds herself as a listener to Russo’s impassioned rants. Despite a warning from a friend, she leans into their tumultuous relationship, enjoying the sense of liberated aimlessness it offers: “I had no idea where we were going or where we would end up. I liked not knowing, not caring, not having to decide.”
Amid their nighttime escapades, a darker undertone surfaces during one of their first outings, where they find themselves overlooking the ruins of the Sutro Baths. Prose reflects on the eerie moment, recognizing the potential danger, yet she admits, “I wasn’t scared then,” an insight that resonates with the recklessness of youth. As the relationship takes a downturn, Prose acknowledges, “We lost track of each other, and we let ourselves forget.”
With her characteristic finesse, Prose interweaves personal narratives with historical events, capturing her journey as a developing writer amid a nation grappling with the consequences of Nixon’s resignation, the Pentagon Papers, the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, domestic surveillance, and the lingering impact of the Vietnam War. Russo’s crusade against governmental deception in the Vietnam conflict ultimately leads to his own unraveling. Yet, Prose’s memoir highlights her ability to learn from her mistakes and move forward. Reflecting on her past, she emphasizes the importance of engagement and action in addressing societal issues, contrasting passive acceptance with a belief in the necessity of resistance.
“1974: A Personal History” emerges as a masterfully woven memoir from one of contemporary literature’s significant voices, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of freedom, idealism, and the challenges of effecting real change.