May Sarton (1912-1995)

May Sarton was born in Belgium in 1912. In 1916 her family fled Belgium and the advancing Germans to settle in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Although Sarton won a scholarship to Vassar, she chose to live in New York where she devoted herself to the study of acting. Her life in the theater was not successful; therefore, she turned to writing as a career.

While she began her literary career as a poet, Ms. Sarton has published in a variety of genres. She has written novels, a play, a screenplay, and journals. In 1973 Sarton's memoir, Journal of a Solitude, was published. It became a key text in women's studies courses. Her works focus on
themes such as solitude, the natural world, companionship, and love in its many forms.

In addition, May Sarton has written essays on the art and craft of writing. Two important works are The Writing of a Poem (1957) and The Design of a Novel (1963). Both works were previously delivered as addresses at Scripps College and published in pamphlet form by the university. This devotion to her craft can be seen in May's determination to continue writing even as age and illness took its toll on her. Although May Sarton never received the critical acclaim she deserved during her life, her works now are earning her the recognition which she so richly deserves.

Related Links

A Celebration of Women Writers

Preface from May Sarton's Well

Reading Group Guide: Journal of a Solitude

Literary Traveler: Permanence and May Sarton

May Sarton

May Sarton Interview

May Sarton - The Rewards of Living a Solitary Life