A Restless Life

A poignant and candid memoir by writer, playwright, and artist Bardwell, now in her 80s. She tells of her literary life and associates from the 1930s onwards. Her seemingly idyllic country estate childhood belied the contentious family life and penny-pinching practices that made the appearances possible. While unwed and pregnant she went to England where she gave the child up for adoption. Living in London during World War II, Leland began writing, a career that would offer her such associates as Patrick Kavanagh. We see a stream of partners, official and illicit, as well as the sheer struggle of motherhood and artistic expression without resources or support. This memoir is at times searing, raunchy and rambunctious, singed with the sadness that hardship visited on her and her friends, but ultimately persistence and tremendous humor make this an exceptional memoir. Her marriage tale displays an understated fervor that deserves attention."-Kirkus Reviews"

A poignant and candid memoir by writer, playwright, and artist Bardwell, now in her 80s. She tells of her literary life and associates from the 1930s onwards. Her seemingly idyllic country estate childhood belied the contentious family life and penny-pinching practices that made the appearances possible. While unwed and pregnant she went to England where she gave the child up for adoption. Living in London during World War II, Leland began writing, a career that would offer her such associates as Patrick Kavanagh. We see a stream of partners, official and illicit, as well as the sheer struggle of motherhood and artistic expression without resources or support. This memoir is at times searing, raunchy and rambunctious, singed with the sadness that hardship visited on her and her friends, but ultimately persistence and tremendous humor make this an exceptional memoir. Her marriage tale displays an understated fervor that deserves attention."-Kirkus Reviews"