42 pages • 1 hour read
Gertrude SteinThe Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1933A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein is a quasi-autobiography written from Toklas's perspective but centered on Stein's life and influential Modernist circles in early 20th century Paris. It details the women's formative years, their life together, interactions with notable artists like Picasso and Matisse, and their roles during wartime, highlighting Stein's creative process and Toklas’s supportive companionship.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Gertrude Stein's The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas offers a vibrant portrayal of Parisian bohemian life through Toklas’ eyes. Critics praise Stein's unique narrative style and insightful portrayal of art and culture. However, some find the prose challenging and self-indulgent. Overall, it's a must-read for fans of modernist literature.
Who Should Read The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas?
A reader who enjoys The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein is likely intrigued by early 20th-century avant-garde art and literature. This reader would appreciate unconventional narratives and the rich cultural history of Paris. Fans of Ernest Hemingway's A Moveable Feast and James Joyce’s Ulysses would find it engaging.