The Story of Mary MacLane is a raw and honest memoir written by the author herself. Mary MacLane bares her soul in this compelling account of her struggles and desires, painting a vivid picture of her innermost thoughts and emotions.

Through her unapologetic self-reflection, MacLane delves into themes of identity, ambition, and the constraints of society. Her writing is sharp, poetic, and at times, darkly humorous, drawing readers into her world and leaving a lasting impression.

While some may find her introspection and self-absorption off-putting, others will be captivated by her fearless honesty and introspective nature. The Story of Mary MacLane is a unique and powerful read that challenges societal norms and offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a complex and intriguing woman.

Book Description:

At the age of 19 in 1902, MacLane published her first book, The Story of Mary MacLane. It sold 100,000 copies in the first month and was popular among young girls, but was strongly criticized by conservative readers, and lightly ridiculed by H. L. Mencken. She had always chafed at living in Butte, which was a small mining town, and used the money from sales of this book to move to Greenwich Village where she continued to write books and newspaper articles.

Some critics have suggested that even by today’s standards, MacLane’s writing is raw, honest, unflinching, self-aware, sensual and extreme. She wrote openly about egoism and her own self-love, about sexual attraction and love for other women, and even about her desire to marry the devil.