Near to the Wild Heart: An introspective + philosophical exploration of identity

? UNDER THE LAMPLIGHT-

Near to the Wild Heart is a philosophical read that follows a woman’s journey and questions whether any of us truly know who we are. The novel, which was first published in 1943, tells the story of Joana, a young girl who is introspective and sensitive, as she navigates various relationships and experiences, including a difficult marriage, an affair, and the death of her husband. Throughout the novel, Joana stands out for her inability to conform to social norms, as well as for her brilliance and beauty that are met with her unapproachable and cold nature. Clarice Lispector employs unconventional prose in writing the novel, using stream-of-consciousness as well as fragments of poetry and dialogue, to create a dreamlike and impressionistic narrative. The novel is introspective and philosophical, exploring themes of identity, desire, and the nature of existence.