Ahhh so refreshing. I’m actually new to Laurie Colwin, just read Home Cooking and what a delight. I’ve always found Joan Didion so one note and never really understood the obsession - especially with her personal style. Love love love all these details about Laurie, must read more!
“For me, domestic sensualism means caring about the stories and the origins of everything I own, remembering where things came from, whether that’s clothing or any of my other possessions.”
I love this concept so much. I’m always most captivated by personal style writing that carry this sentiment—it urges me to appreciate what I have and practice my own domestic sensualism, instead of making me covet the next “it” item. Thank you for sharing!
Michelle Wildgen (most recently author of Wine People) introduced me to Laurie Colwin's work in 2002 when we were both at Tin House magazine. I was only 20 at the time and Colwin's world was such a cozy antidote to the New York cynicism I was steeped in at the time. Her books felt like a blueprint for a different kind of adult life, one I wanted to lead, where the kitchen is full of crockery and friends stop by for sumptuous meals. I would say Michelle is definitely Colwin's literary descendant, if you're looking for further reading. Her characters love to eat, and are generally doing their best to be kind to each other.
I have not yet rubbed the sleep from my eyes or had morning caffeine so I am not feeling particularly eloquent but this is my favorite thing you’ve written and I loved this as an introduction to Laurie Colwin and I might come back and comment thoughts once my brain starts working but this was a wonderful read and I think focusing on domestic sensualism is the answer to the “underconsumption-overconsumption-no buy-low buy” debate and I will be pondering that for the remainder of the morning so thank you!!!
Loved this! The photos of both authors were so illuminating, the difference was so stark! I’ve been on a Laurie Colwin kick and it’s wonderful to have her greatness acknowledged!
Ahhh so refreshing. I’m actually new to Laurie Colwin, just read Home Cooking and what a delight. I’ve always found Joan Didion so one note and never really understood the obsession - especially with her personal style. Love love love all these details about Laurie, must read more!
So excited for you to read the rest of her books! Home Cooking is the best
“For me, domestic sensualism means caring about the stories and the origins of everything I own, remembering where things came from, whether that’s clothing or any of my other possessions.”
I love this concept so much. I’m always most captivated by personal style writing that carry this sentiment—it urges me to appreciate what I have and practice my own domestic sensualism, instead of making me covet the next “it” item. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Lan! 😊
Michelle Wildgen (most recently author of Wine People) introduced me to Laurie Colwin's work in 2002 when we were both at Tin House magazine. I was only 20 at the time and Colwin's world was such a cozy antidote to the New York cynicism I was steeped in at the time. Her books felt like a blueprint for a different kind of adult life, one I wanted to lead, where the kitchen is full of crockery and friends stop by for sumptuous meals. I would say Michelle is definitely Colwin's literary descendant, if you're looking for further reading. Her characters love to eat, and are generally doing their best to be kind to each other.
I’ve never heard of her!! Thank you for the recommendation. (Also, Tin House, so cool!)
sitting next to a copy of family happiness that i'm about to begin this saturday morning! this couldnt have been more timely and perfect!
I’m so excited for you!!
I have not yet rubbed the sleep from my eyes or had morning caffeine so I am not feeling particularly eloquent but this is my favorite thing you’ve written and I loved this as an introduction to Laurie Colwin and I might come back and comment thoughts once my brain starts working but this was a wonderful read and I think focusing on domestic sensualism is the answer to the “underconsumption-overconsumption-no buy-low buy” debate and I will be pondering that for the remainder of the morning so thank you!!!
Wow I love that connection to the under/over-consumption debate! Now I will be pondering
Adding her titles to my 2k25 Back List Books project!!!
Ohhhh wow, this was such a generous beautiful and human piece, thank you so much 💗 adding family happiness to the list immediately!!
Wow, never heard of her and so excited to read some of her work!
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
This is so beautiful and helpful! Thank you!!
Thanks!
Loved this! The photos of both authors were so illuminating, the difference was so stark! I’ve been on a Laurie Colwin kick and it’s wonderful to have her greatness acknowledged!