Anyone who really knows me knows that once I've loudly proclaimed my opinion, I have a hard time admitting that I've changed my mind--or worse, that I was wrong. (Steve, the giant squid/blue whale incident might come to mind).
Well, here goes.
I no longer think that The Lonely Doll is a creepy book. Sad, yes, and dark. But after reading Dare Wright's biography, I'll probably add her books to my personal collection.
It's a must read for anyone who's interested in children's books. Even if you aren't particularly interested in kid's books, it's a completely fascinating biography. But get ready to be depressed.
Um... This is a frightening transformation. I can't imagine what that book could possibly say that could make TLD less creepy. In fact, I could easily see the story behind the bear spanking the bare doll bottom becoming more creepy with explanation. Damn you for making me want to read a book about the creepy lonely doll!!
Posted by: lauren | 08 March 2005 at 01:09 PM
I second Lauren. I am disturbed, but also intrigued. Don't go reading any biographies on G .P. Taylor.
Posted by: Chrissy | 08 March 2005 at 01:51 PM
I'm telling you, just read it. If nothing else, it'll make The Lonely Doll into a sad book for you. How's this for depressing? To some extent, it looks like Dare Wright would've liked her childhood to be more like The Lonely Doll.
Her mom SUCKED.
Don't worry, Chrissy, I will never, ever read anything about G. P. Taylor. Ever.
Posted by: leila | 08 March 2005 at 02:36 PM
even if The Creepy Doll is an escape fantasy, that doesn't change the fact that it has a freaking bear spanking a freaking doll. and that every awful cambridge customer that came in looking for it was obviously disturbed in a serious way. And, frankly, I'm worried that the Lonely Doll has worked its evil power on you. Its hold is strong, but you must resist.
Posted by: steve | 11 March 2005 at 08:00 PM
also, why does everything have a secret life these days?
Posted by: steve | 12 March 2005 at 03:12 PM
Oh, don't get me wrong. The spanking is creepy. To add to the creep-osity, the spanking is in all of the 15 or so Lonely Doll books. I'm telling you, though, after you read the bio, it all makes sense. DO IT. Just read the darned book.
Also, note that the horrible Cambridgians liked the book on its own merit, not because of the backstory. By itself, the book is creepy. With DW's background story, it's sad.
And I don't want to hear any Arthur/DW jokes.
Posted by: leila | 14 March 2005 at 11:24 AM