The Rules Do Not Apply

Memoir always strikes me as a particularly cruel genre.  This is certainly the case with Ariel Levy’s The Rules Do Not Apply.  The work is well-written, at times funny and self-depreciating, honest and open, but also grating and mean.  She has a lot of beefs and expressively tells us about them. There is a lot to admire in this work, and a great deal of honesty that is just plain cruel.  I cannot discount Levy’s obvious talent.  She has told her truth with great precision and painful beauty. This work is worth reading.  But one cautionary note: if you become close with Levy be wary.  You might become grist for her mill.