Vaslav Nijinsky (1889–1950)

This extremely moving diary was written as Nijinsky struggled with symptoms of schizophrenia in the spring of 1919. It's a painfully honest book. Throughout the text Nijinsky struggles with the horrors of the First World War, his acrimonious relationship with his ex-lover Diaghilev [who had spitefully fired him from Ballets Russes after Nijinsky married a Hungarian woman on a South American tour], his revulsion at eating meat, his deteriorating marriage, and the delusions that increasingly clouded his thoughts. It's heartbreaking for the reader to feel Nijinsky's mind fragmenting even as he proclaims his love for humanity and desire to atone for past failings. At the same time, there are passages of piercing lucidity where he discusses his career, dance, art, and his feelings about life and death. A complex and unforgettable work.… (mehr)

Vida, muerte y sentimientos habrían sido las tres partes de los diarios del máximo bailarín del que se tengan noticias. Escritos ya en avanzado estado de esquizofrenia, resultan profundamente conmovedores. Entre la estupidez y la sabiduría, la pobreza y la riqueza, la coherencia y la locura, Nijinsky hace afirmaciones tajantes basándose en estar en contacto con dios. A su vez, se inspecciona a sí mismo, divide lo que le gusta de lo que le disgusta, habla un poco del arte, de la crítica, de la danza, de los pobres, de los ricos y de acciones futuras que -uno lo sabe- nunca podrá realizar. El valor literario surge por su extraordinaria sinceridad.… (mehr)