In conclusion, “Ongoingness: The End of a Diary” by Sarah Manguso is a remarkable book that defies easy categorization. It’s a memoir, a diary, a meditation on writing and identity, and a profound exploration of the human experience. With its innovative style, its unflinching honesty, and its deep insights into the human condition, “Ongoingness” is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, memoir, and the complexities of human existence.
References: Manguso, S. (2016). Ongoingness: The End of a Diary. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
“Ongoingness” has been widely praised for its innovative style, its unflinching honesty, and its profound insights into the human condition. The book has been compared to the work of other experimental writers, such as Lydia Lunch and Chris Kraus, and it has been hailed as a landmark of contemporary memoir.
Throughout the book, Manguso grapples with fundamental questions about identity, creativity, and the human condition. She writes about her relationships, her family, her body, and her own mortality, often in ways that are both humorous and devastating. Her entries are frequently dated, but they’re not always linear, and the book’s structure is intentionally disjointed, reflecting the fragmented nature of memory and experience.