Marianne Lindberg De Geer’s fifth published diary, ”I alla fall” (Anyway), chronicles her life from September to May, offering a seemingly unfiltered glimpse into the daily existence of a 78-year-old woman. The book, spanning 360 pages, raises the question of the purpose of a personal diary explicitly intended for public consumption. While traditional diaries were locked and private, De Geer’s serves as both a personal reflection and a commentary on contemporary society, filtered through the lens of her own complex class identity. This blurring of the private and public spheres, the personal and the political, is a central theme woven throughout the narrative. De Geer’s aim, as stated within the diary itself, is to simply recount her days, sharing her thoughts and observations with the reader. However, the resulting text transcends mere documentation, offering a dynamic and engaging portrait of a woman grappling with aging, societal shifts, and her own place in the world.
De Geer’s class identity is a recurring motif, a multifaceted aspect of her self-perception that remains fluid throughout the diary. She navigates the overlapping spheres of her bourgeois upbringing (through her physician father), her aristocratic connection (through her husband, Carl Johan), and her self-made status within the cultural elite. Yet, it’s her experiences from fifty years prior, as a single mother raising two children while working as a mental health nurse, that appear to hold the most significant weight. This period of struggle and resilience seems to have shaped her worldview and continues to influence her perspective. This anchoring in her past, coupled with her left-leaning political sensibilities (symbolized by the occasional addition of ”(R)” to her initials, referencing her Gothenburg youth), contributes to the complexity of her character and the richness of her observations.
The diary’s narrative unfolds through a series of seemingly mundane everyday occurrences: managing health issues, enjoying good food, shopping, watching television with her husband, reflecting on family, attending exhibitions, reading, engaging with the media. This ordinariness, however, is punctuated by De Geer’s astute observations and candid reflections on topics ranging from personal anxieties to global events. The diary becomes a microcosm of the world at large, reflecting both the mundane and the momentous. This juxtaposition creates a compelling rhythm, drawing the reader into De Geer’s world and fostering a sense of intimacy. Despite the potential for monotony in recounting daily routines, De Geer maintains a vibrancy and momentum that keeps the reader engaged.
De Geer’s writing style is reminiscent of her favorite author, Moa Martinson, characterized by a raw, unpolished honesty. She doesn’t shy away from expressing her vulnerabilities and insecurities, her vanity and her fears. This candidness, coupled with a spontaneous and conversational tone, creates a sense of immediacy and connection with the reader. She shares her anxieties about aging, her frustration with technology, and her unfiltered reactions to current events. The text is peppered with colloquialisms and exclamations, mirroring the natural flow of thought and conversation. This unvarnished approach contributes to the diary’s authenticity and strengthens the reader’s sense of participating in a personal dialogue with the author.
The diary also serves as a platform for De Geer to engage with broader social and political issues. The backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the escalating conflict in the Middle East permeates her reflections, highlighting the interconnectedness of personal and global events. De Geer doesn’t shy away from expressing her opinions, often with a characteristic blend of humor and outrage. She readily engages in cultural debates, commenting on controversies and offering her perspectives on the issues of the day. Her writing process is itself a part of the narrative: articles penned in fifteen minutes, sent off to newspapers, published online, or sometimes rejected. This dynamic interplay between the personal and the political adds another layer of depth to the diary, revealing De Geer’s engagement with the world around her.
De Geer’s diary distinguishes itself from those of male counterparts like Lars Norén and Ulf Lundell through its portrayal of human relationships. While those authors are often characterized by misanthropy, De Geer exhibits a genuine curiosity and empathy towards others. She engages with people from all walks of life, acknowledging both their strengths and weaknesses. She critiques and challenges, yet simultaneously demonstrates a capacity for understanding and connection. This nuanced approach to human interaction sets her apart and contributes to the diary’s overall sense of warmth and humanity. Reading ”I alla fall” offers a unique experience, akin to engaging in a lively conversation with a close friend. While the reader may not always agree with De Geer’s perspectives, they are invited into a world of intimate reflections, sharp observations, and unwavering engagement with the world. The diary is a testament to the power of personal narratives to illuminate both the ordinary and the extraordinary aspects of human experience.
