SOURCE: "Duras and Her Thoughts of Love," in The New York Times, March 26, 1990, pp. C11, C16.

In the essay below, which is based on an interview with Duras, Riding discusses the autobiographical nature of her writing.

To describe Marguerite Duras as a little old lady, even though she is all three things today, is to ignore the flirtatious twinkle in her eye that perhaps helps explain why, at the age of 75, she keeps on writing and thinking about sex and love.

She reveals herself only slowly, though. Photographs make her seem severe, even intimidating, while in person her small body, ravaged by alcohol, cigarettes and a few natural illnesses, looks as crumpled and shapeless as a mistreated doll.

Yet, as one sits close enough to hear her thin voice and its accompanying silences, her eyes can be seen sparkling with mischief as she throws out words and phrases...