Living My Life by Emma Goldman

Living My Life

Living My Life is an autobiography written by Emma Goldman, a Russian-born anarchist, political activist, and writer. The book covers her personal and political life from early childhood through to 1927. Goldman wrote it while living in Saint-Tropez, France, following her disillusionment with the Bolshevik role in the Russian revolution.

The book provides critical insight into the mentality of radical immigrants in the United States during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.

Goldman personally explores the often neglected topics of political violence and the nature of human sexuality in the early anarchist movement.

At the beginning of Goldman’s autobiography, the Haymarket bombing was a recent memory and American anarchists had already been tied to notions of violence and assassination.

What I Liked

The book provides a window into a crazy portion of US history. I see so many people asserting that today’s American politics is violent and crazy. OK, nowadays doesn’t even compare to how it used to be. The US has always been loud, crazy and a bit extreme. We muddle through somehow. Maybe it’s the craziness that gives us a bit of stability?

What I Did Not Like

The book is a bit tedious. The same details that make it fascinating also make it dense and slow.

Living My Life by Emma Goldman
$14.99
In Living My Life, Emma Goldman shares her journey as a Russian-born anarchist and political activist, reflecting on her life from childhood up until 1927. The book dives into the mindset of radical immigrants in the U.S. during a tumultuous time, covering heavy topics like political violence and sexuality in the anarchist movement. I found it fascinating to explore this wild chapter of American history—it's a stark reminder that our current political climate feels tame by comparison. However, I did struggle with the book's density; the rich details sometimes slowed me down. Overall, it’s a compelling read, but be prepared for a bit of a slog.
Pros:
  • Provides critical insight into radical immigrant mentality in the late 19th and early 20th century
  • Explores neglected topics like political violence and human sexuality in anarchism
  • Offers a unique perspective on a tumultuous period of US history
Cons:
  • The book is a bit tedious and dense.
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02/11/2025 11:23 pm GMT
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