This review was written for and first published by Bookmunch.
“While admitting that sex was very important in life and congratulating Freud for having made that so clear, Lawrence credited it as only half of life’s motivating force, claiming that the other half came from a religious or creative urge, the desire (of men in particular!) to achieve something new in the world.”
DH Lawrence is the most recent book covering the life and work of one of the ‘leading cultural figures of the modern period’ published by Reaktion Books. It is a biography grounded in the subject’s writing – how his life experiences fed his art. Written by an academic the memoir is clear and factual but never dry. Unlike many of the genre, it avoids the pitfalls of being overly emotional or moralistic, leaving the reader to form their own opinions of the man being studied.
Lawrence was born into a working class family – unusual for a writer. He grew up in a mining village outside Nottingham, the fourth of five children. His mother ensured her offspring received an education, paying this son particular attention due to his recurrent ill health. She had already lost her elder boy and was determined not to lose another child. Lawrence later came to recognise that the bond they shared at this time bordered on unhealthy.
Throughout his life Lawrence was drawn to those with whom he could debate intellectual and spiritual issues. The many friends he made included both men and women. There is speculation that he was sexually attracted to both. It seems, however, that he deliberately restrained the former while wishing to have intercourse with many of the latter, including those he did not find physically appealing. His sexual frustration and belief this should not be suppressed led to degrees of exploitation and cruelty towards those who admired and cared for him.
“he believed that morality consisted in fulfilling one’s deepest urges”
Despite this attitude he valued the sanctity of marriage. Neither he nor his wife chose to be faithful to each other sexually and yet, unlike many of their acquaintances, they remained together. This was despite Lawrence’s violent temper, often directed at his wife. Friends, who observed their regular tirades that frequently descended from verbal to physical abuse, were appalled.
Lawrence was a prolific writer, regarded from early on as a genius. His stories were inspired by those he knew and the lives they were living. His subjects were not always happy with the obvious depictions of themselves, especially the personal details shared. Attempts at state censorship angered the author although he came to realise that notoriety helped raise both his profile and sales.
Like many artists at the time, Lawrence led a peripatetic existence. Often short of money, he would stay in accommodation offered by friends and accept handouts. He continued to suffer regular bouts of ill health, something his wife had little patience with. He credited her robust attitude with helping him recover, valuing her presence when feeling unwell.
It is interesting to read of the inspiration for his famous works and how they developed from initial idea to publication. Needing the income he wrote not just novels but shorter works including articles for journals on issues being debated. He travelled alongside and to stay with friends, preferring company with whom he could enjoy discussions and share views he felt strongly about. These opinions formed the basis of much of his writing.
There is much shared about Lawrence’s attitudes and actions that could be criticised – there is little that is appealing even while taking into account the times through which he lived. Also of interest are the lives of his contemporaries, especially their lack of fidelity. If there was shock at the subjects Lawrence covered more blatantly than was usual in his fiction it can only have been because what was happening in reality was rarely acknowledged so publically and in the language he chose to use.
Any Cop?: However one may choose to judge, this proved an interesting book offering much to consider – about art and the artist, the creative drive and psyche. Lawrence may not come across as personally admirable in this clearly well researched if carefully précised depiction but this need not detract from appreciation of his, and this book’s author’s, writing.
Jackie Law
