Francine Prose, a renowned novelist and critic, presents her first memoir titled “1974: A Personal History,” set to be released by Harper in 2024. This compelling work showcases Prose’s signature style while exploring significant personal and political events from her life and the broader context of the nation during that pivotal year.
In “1974,” Prose reflects on a transformative time when she was twenty-six, having recently exited her marriage, published her debut novel “Judah the Pious,” and moved to San Francisco to begin work on a third novel. She captures the essence of that era, describing her desire for freedom: “I liked feeling free, alive and on edge, even a little bit afraid … I wanted to feel like an outlaw.” The memoir epitomizes the San Francisco of the early ’70s, a place brimming with activism but also marked by disillusionment for many from the preceding decade.
Prose details her relationship with Anthony Russo, known as an “anti-Vietnam war whistleblower” and one of the individuals who leaked the Pentagon Papers. She paints a vivid picture of her admiration for Russo while also highlighting his jealousy of others who received more acclaim, especially Daniel Ellsberg. Their time together is filled with late-night drives through the city, allowing Prose to showcase her ability to evoke the ambiance of San Francisco, as she writes, “bright streaks of neon signage dripped down the windshield onto the glistening streets.”
Their bond formed over shared interests in politics and literature, as they connected with a sense of gravity and complexity that belied their outward ease. Through their nights spent together, she simultaneously sought emotional connection while often serving as a sounding board for Russo’s frustrations. Despite her friend’s reservations about the relationship, Prose continues to embrace their connection, relishing in the freedom and uncertainty of their journeys around the city.
Prose also reflects on the potential dangers of their relationship, particularly during a night spent overlooking the Sutro Baths, where the dark setting reveals hints of Russo’s troubling nature. She expresses a mix of fear and exhilaration about her choices, encapsulating the restless spirit of her youth. However, the relationship ultimately concludes, and Prose reflects on the ways in which she was able to move beyond that chapter of her life.
Through her eloquent writing, Prose intertwines her personal narrative with the historical landscape of 1974, a year overshadowed by significant events such as Nixon’s resignation, the Pentagon Papers disclosure, the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, domestic spying, and the ongoing turbulence of the Vietnam War. Russo’s mission to expose governmental cover-ups stands as both a personal crusade and a cautionary tale of paranoia and disillusionment.
Ultimately, “1974” serves as a poignant examination of Prose’s growth as a writer against the backdrop of a society grappling with its own transformations. She contemplates the importance of active engagement in the face of adversity, reflecting on the belief that change is possible, even when the odds seem stacked against it. This memoir promises to be a richly textured and beautifully crafted reflection from one of America’s most influential literary voices.