In "Hold Still," acclaimed photographer Sally Mann offers a deeply personal memoir that intertwines her life, her art, and her family. Through vivid storytelling, she unveils the complexities of motherhood and the haunting beauty of memory, all while navigating the challenges and joys of raising her children amidst criticism. Mann's striking photographs complement her narrative, revealing a world that is both intimate and unsettling. Each chapter is a reflection on time, loss, and the ephemeral nature of existence. Dive into a poignant exploration of identity and the power of art that will leave you pondering long after the last page.
By Sally Mann
Published: 2016
""In the quiet moments, between the stillness and the chaos, we find the echoes of our most profound truths.""
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEARThe New York Times, Washington Post, The San Francisco Chronicle, Vogue, NPR, Publishers Weekly, BookPage A revealing and beautifully written memoir and family history from acclaimed photographer Sally Mann. In this groundbreaking book, a unique interplay of narrative and image, Mann's preoccupation with family, race, mortality, and the storied landscape of the American South are revealed as almost genetically predetermined, written into her DNA by the family history that precedes her. Sorting through boxes of family papers and yellowed photographs she finds more than she bargained for: "deceit and scandal, alcohol, domestic abuse, car crashes, bogeymen, clandestine affairs, dearly loved and disputed family land . . . racial complications, vast sums of money made and lost, the return of the prodigal son, and maybe even bloody murder." In lyrical prose and startlingly revealing photographs, she crafts a totally original form of personal history that has the page-turning drama of a great novel but is firmly rooted in the fertile soil of her own life.
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“"In the quiet moments, between the stillness and the chaos, we find the echoes of our most profound truths."”
Hold Still
By Sally Mann
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Sally Mann is a celebrated American author and photographer, renowned for her evocative and thought-provoking works that explore themes of childhood, mortality, and the complexities of family relationships. Born in 1951 in Lexington, Virginia, Mann gained widespread acclaim for her photographic books such as 'Immediate Family,' 'Deep South,' and 'What Remains.' Her style is characterized by a blend of lyrical prose and striking imagery, often drawing on her Southern heritage. Mann's work frequently confronts the intersection of beauty and darkness, prompting deep reflection on the nature of memory and experience. With numerous awards including the International Center of Photography's Infinity Award, Mann continues to influence both the literary and photographic landscapes.
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