May Sarton’s books have been part of almost all of my adult life. I discovered and read Journal of a Solitude when I was a young mother. And then, over the years, read most of her journals, some of her fiction, and much of her poetry. This year, I turned seventy and am celebrating it with a year-long reading festival of books related to Seventy, so I happily added her journal, At Seventy, to the top of my reading list. I’m reading it slowly, savoring some of the wonderful passages like the one below, and simply enjoying being with May Sarton again at age seventy!
What is it like to be seventy? If someone else had lived so long and could remember things sixty years ago with great clarity, she would seem very old to me. But I do not feel old at all, not as much a survivor as a person still on her way. I suppose real old age begins when one looks backward rather than forward, but I look forward with joy to the years ahead and especially to the surprises that any day may bring.
I am reading this book as part of my year-long celebration of turning 70 years old.
A Fondness For Reading 
I had great plans for reading this a month at a time – the month corresponding to the same month as my 70 journey, but it didn’t happen. I likes the book immensely. When you get to the part about a movie being made about her – I actually bought it and though it isn’t long, it was wonderful for me to see her talking and moving around.
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Nan, I’m liking this journal immensely, too. I’ll have to search around for that film. I remember seeing something like that many years ago, and being able to see her in action. I don’t think it was the full film, however, maybe just a clip. I’d love to find it again. Research time!
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I have read Journal of a Solitude and found it wonderful. I need to read more by May Sarton!
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Iliana, I loved both Journal of a Solitude and Plant Dreaming Deep. I don’t care much for her fiction, but I do enjoy her journals.
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Robin, there’s a book by a British journalist and TV presenter, Joan Bakewell, called The View From Here: Life at Seventy. I haven’t read it but have heard it’s quite good.
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Cath, I’ll see if I can track it down! It would be perfect for my celebration of seventy! Thank you for the info!
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I do like May Sarton so the idea of reading her memoir appeals to me. I just picked up, Nearlng Ninety, Judith Voirst — short essays, but haven’t begun it.
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Diane, I loved Judith Viorst’s book, I’m Too Young to be Seventy!” I must find the others in that series and read them. Let me know how you like the Ninety one.
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