Excellent points being made by Dan Green over at The Reading Experience on separation of a writer from his work. In his post, A Nicer Chap, Dan comments on Yasmin Alibhai-Brown’s decision not to read anymore of this author’s books after reading a biography of V.S. Naipaul.
I’ve noticed that many folks are more accepting of a story after reading a bio of the writer, in that typical "oh, that’s why…" train of thought. As if to understand Plath’s poetry you must understand Sylvia Plath herself. It certainly can answer some questions, but is it what the poet expected us to find in her poetry?
I stay away from forewards and all that stuff until after I’ve read a book. I may not even read it then unless I’m so intrigued by the concept of the story–more likely, stories–I’ve read.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology