Francine Prose, a noted novelist and critic, has released her first memoir titled “1974: A Personal History,” set to be published by Harper in 2024. The memoir is a poignant exploration of personal and political history, showcasing Prose’s exceptional writing skills across more than thirty published works.
The narrative centers on a transformative year in Prose’s life and the broader context of American history. At the age of twenty-six, she had recently divorced, published her debut novel “Judah the Pious,” was working on a third, and made a significant move to San Francisco. Reflecting on this period, Prose writes, “I liked feeling free, alive and on edge, even a little bit afraid … I wanted to feel like an outlaw.” This era in San Francisco was characterized by activism and the disillusionment of the 1960s generation, who realized that the changes they had hoped for were not materializing.
Prose also recounts her relationship with Anthony Russo, an anti-Vietnam War activist and one of the whistleblowers who leaked the Pentagon Papers. Though she is captivated by Russo, her portrayal reveals his frustrations over not receiving the same recognition as his colleague Daniel Ellsberg. Through their nighttime drives in his old Buick, Prose paints a vivid picture of San Francisco, capturing its essence with rich, evocative language. She highlights their shared interests in politics and literature, particularly their appreciation for Thomas Pynchon’s “Gravity’s Rainbow.”
While Prose seeks emotional intimacy, she often finds herself merely listening to Russo’s rants. Despite her friend’s warnings, she embraces the relationship, enjoying the freedom 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.” A defining moment of their relationship occurs at the Sutro Baths, where the stark beauty of the surroundings juxtaposes the chilling possibilities of danger, reflecting Prose’s complex feelings of fear and freedom at that age.
As their relationship unravels, Prose candidly reflects on her growth as a writer amid significant historical events of 1974, including Nixon’s resignation and the ongoing Vietnam War. Russo’s dedication to exposing government cover-ups is portrayed as both his passion and tragic flaw, leaving him bitter and paranoid by the time of their acquaintance.
Ultimately, Prose’s reflections on her time with Russo underscore the importance of agency and activism, as she advocates for taking action even in the face of overwhelming odds. “1974: A Personal History” stands out as a beautifully crafted memoir that intertwines the personal and the political, inviting readers to connect with Prose’s journey and the era’s challenges while underscoring the necessity of striving for change.