Real Estate: Levy’s story of the self is playful, defiant and courageous

The third instalment of writer Deborah Levy’s ‘living autobiography’ builds a persuasive argument for her right to exist not only in life, but in literature

Deborah Levy plays with language and often lets language win

MEMOIR

Real Estate

By Deborah Levy

Hamish Hamilton, €12.63

On my travels around the internet, I often encounter people expressing their disdain for personal writing. It’s easy, indulgent and unimportant.

I’m susceptible to these judgments – they always seem so convincing – even though I love personal writing. Or, perhaps I should say, because I love personal writing. I’m drawn to admonishments of things I love.

That might sound insane, but I’m sure it’s not ...