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Grace Frick and Her Life with Marguerite Yourcenar

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"We Met in Paris": Grace Frick and Her Life with Marguerite Yourcenar

by Joan E Howard

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6775 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	436 pages

Grace Frick (1887-1979) was an American writer, editor, and translator who shared a profound and enduring relationship with French novelist Marguerite Yourcenar (1903-1987). Their connection, spanning over four decades, was marked by mutual affection, intellectual companionship, and unwavering support. Frick's influence on Yourcenar's literary career was significant, particularly in the writing of her masterpiece, Memoirs of Hadrian.

Early Life and Education

Grace Frick was born in 1887 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She grew up in a prosperous and cultured family, developing a keen interest in literature and languages from an early age. Frick attended Smith College, where she excelled in her studies and graduated with honors in classical languages.

Meeting Marguerite Yourcenar

In 1922, while traveling in Paris, Frick serendipitously met Yourcenar, a young and aspiring writer from France. An immediate connection sparked between them, and they quickly became inseparable. Frick moved into Yourcenar's apartment on the Rue de l'Odeon, and together they embarked on a lifelong literary and personal partnership.

Literary Collaborations

Frick and Yourcenar shared a profound love of literature and writing. Frick served as Yourcenar's editor and translator, meticulously reviewing her manuscripts and translating them into English. She played a crucial role in shaping the final form of many of Yourcenar's works, including Memoirs of Hadrian, considered one of the greatest historical novels of the 20th century.

Memoirs of Hadrian

Memoirs of Hadrian, published in 1951, was a transformative work in Yourcenar's career. It is an imagined autobiography of the Roman emperor Hadrian, written in a vivid and introspective style. Frick's contribution to the novel was substantial, providing valuable insights on the historical context and helping Yourcenar to capture the inner voice of Hadrian.

The novel's success brought international acclaim to Yourcenar and solidified her reputation as a master of historical fiction. Frick's involvement in the creation of this masterpiece was a testament to her literary acumen and the depth of her understanding of Yourcenar's writing.

Same-Sex Relationship

Frick and Yourcenar's relationship was not without its challenges. As a same-sex couple living in a time when homosexuality was not widely accepted, they faced social stigma and prejudice. However, they remained fiercely devoted to each other throughout their lives, providing unwavering emotional and intellectual support.

Their relationship was a groundbreaking example of a committed and loving partnership between two women in a time when such relationships were often condemned. Frick's willingness to embrace her unconventional life with Yourcenar demonstrated her courage and independence.

Feminist Literature

Frick's influence extended beyond her editorial and translation work. As an active feminist, she encouraged Yourcenar to explore female perspectives in her writing. Frick's own literary contributions included essays and translations of feminist texts.

Together, Frick and Yourcenar made significant contributions to the development of feminist literature in the 20th century. They championed the voices of women writers and challenged traditional gender roles through their writing and activism.

Later Life and Legacy

Frick and Yourcenar lived together for over four decades, sharing a home in both Paris and Mount Desert Island, Maine. In the later years of her life, Frick experienced health problems but continued to support Yourcenar's writing until her death in 1979.

Grace Frick's legacy extends far beyond her role as Yourcenar's companion. She was a talented writer, editor, translator, and feminist activist who made significant contributions to literature and society. Her unwavering love and support for Yourcenar enabled the renowned author to create some of the most enduring and influential works of the 20th century.

Grace Frick was an extraordinary woman whose life was deeply intertwined with that of Marguerite Yourcenar. Their enduring relationship was a testament to their shared passion for literature, their unwavering support for each other, and their commitment to challenging social norms. Frick's influence on Yourcenar's writing, particularly in the creation of Memoirs of Hadrian, was profound.

Today, Grace Frick's legacy continues to inspire readers and scholars alike. Her contributions to literature, feminism, and same-sex relationships are a reminder of the transformative power of love, companionship, and the pursuit of knowledge.

"We Met in Paris": Grace Frick and Her Life with Marguerite Yourcenar

by Joan E Howard

4.5 out of 5