Didion and Babitz

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Joan Didion is revealed in this provocative and moving work that explores the complex relationship between Didion and fellow literary figure Eve Babitz. In a letter from 1972, Babitz questions Didion's writing, hinting at the tensions in their dynamic. After Babitz's death in December 2021, her mother discovered sealed boxes in her apartment, containing a lost world from the late sixties and early seventies centered around a Hollywood rental at 7406 Franklin Avenue. This space became a vibrant hub where writers, artists, and celebrities mingled, playing a crucial role in shaping Didion's enigmatic persona and her storied marriage to John Gregory Dunne. Simultaneously, it marked the rise of Babitz, a woman whose fiery spirit and connections with icons like Jim Morrison defined her life. The friendship between Didion and Babitz evolved from camaraderie to conflict, revealing the complexities of their bond. Despite Didion's confessional style, she has remained an enigma. Journalist Lili Anolik skillfully utilizes Babitz's keen observations and intimate letters found in those boxes to illuminate Didion's character, offering insights into her life and work that have long been hidden.