8legs: Alfred de musset

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Becoming George by Fiona Sampson review – the remarkable story of a cross-dressing 19th century novelist

Guardian reviewer notes Fiona Sampson’s biography centers on Sand’s self-invention and public persona as much as her writing.
The review highlights Sand’s cross-dressing, custody battles, and love affairs as central to understanding her life.
The piece commends Sampson for elegant source-sifting and empathetic guesswork in recounting Sand’s life.
A critique notes the biography sometimes prioritizes the life over Sand’s literary achievements.
The review points out missed connections between Sand’s works and later literary developments.
Sand is portrayed as a figure who challenges gender norms and societal expectations of her era.
The Guardian reviewer cites Sand’s early life and upbringing in shaping her later identity as a writer.
The review notes Sampson uses Sand’s five-volume autobiography as a major source.
The article questions whether the biography sufficiently demonstrates Sand’s relevance to modern readers.
The review frames the biography as a thoughtful contribution to re-evaluating a sensational literary personality.

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