I Remember

Synopsis

Joe Brainard's I Remember is a cult classic, envied and admired by writers from Frank O'Hara to John Ashbery and Edmund White. As autobiography, Brainard's method was brilliantly simple: to set down specific memories as they rose to the surface of his consciousness, each prefaced by the refrain 'I remember'. Fifty-two years after its original US publication in 1970, this is the first UK edition. 'In simple, forthright, declarative sentences, he charts the map of the human soul and permanently alters the way we look at the world. I Remember is both uproariously funny and deeply moving. It is also one of the few totally original books I have ever read.' Paul Auster 'I would make a case for I Remember as one of the twenty or so most important American autobiographies, important for its air of unimportance and for its mingling of cultural bric-a-brac with sexual frankness and self-revelation.' New Yorker

Summary

Chapter 1: The Awakening

David Selznick, the legendary Hollywood producer, awakens in a hospital bed, his mind clouded and his memories fragmented. After suffering a severe stroke, he finds himself trapped in a twilight world where he struggles to distinguish between reality and illusion.

Chapter 2: The Fog of Memory

Selznick grapples with the elusive nature of memory. He stumbles through his past, haunted by vivid flashes of scenes and conversations, yet unable to connect the dots. His doctors, led by Dr. Mark Browning, try to navigate the fog of his mind, but Selznick's fragmented recollections make it difficult to piece together the narrative of his life.

Real-Life Example: The loss of memory after a stroke can be a devastating blow, leaving individuals disoriented and struggling to make sense of their existence. This chapter highlights the challenges faced by those who must rebuild their identities after such a traumatic event.

Chapter 3: The Silver Screen's Ghost

As Selznick's memories begin to emerge, he is confronted by the ghosts of his past triumphs and failures. He relives the making of iconic films like "Gone with the Wind" and "Rebecca," but also grapples with the setbacks and scandals that marked his career.

Chapter 4: The Phantom of Love

Selznick's fractured memories lead him to confront his tumultuous relationships with his wives, Irene and Jennifer. He revisits the heights of their passions and the depths of their betrayals, seeking redemption and closure.

Real-Life Example: Relationships can be profoundly affected by memory loss. This chapter explores the complex emotions and challenges faced by individuals and their loved ones when memory is no longer a reliable guide.

Chapter 5: The Final Act

Selznick's journey reaches its end as he confronts his own mortality and the legacy he leaves behind. He faces his regrets and failures, seeking solace in the fragments of memory that remain.

Chapter 6: The Epilogue

In the aftermath of Selznick's passing, his daughter, Irene Selznick, reflects on her father's life and the enduring power of memory. She shares the lessons she learned from her father's struggle and the importance of cherishing every moment.

Real-Life Example: The death of a loved one with memory loss is a profound experience that can leave lasting scars and emotional challenges. This epilogue provides a poignant reminder of the value of memory and the memories we share with others.