Perspective

Didion's perspective is that of an observer of human nature. Many of the essays in this novel are the result of either interviews Didion has conducted with her subjects or simply observations of people in general. One of these essays is about a woman who has been accused of murder and Didion's observation that it was the expectations of being a California wife striving for the American Dream that made her do it. Another is about a famous singer who simply wanted to spread her philosophy of non-violence and was shunned by her neighbors. One covers a group of hippies living in San Francisco during the late sixties. Didion also writes about herself in this book, about her own quirks, her loves, and her desires. Didion writes about her need to keep notes, about morality and self-respect.

Most of the essays in this book are highly personal and...