The Red Leather Diary: Reclaiming a Life through the Pages of a Lost Journal

by: Lily Koppel

Published by: Harper

Reviewed by Shawn Remfrey

On her 14th birthday, Florence Wolfson received a diary. For five years she diligently recorded her thoughts and life on these pages. After several years, the diary became lost until a New York journalist, Lily Koppel, found it among several items waiting to be disposed of.

As Lily began to read the diary, she found herself wanting to know more and more about the author. With the help of a private investigator she was able to track down Florence and meet with her. This book is a compilation of what is written in the diary as well as information gained through interviews.

I picked up this book in the hopes of getting a good glimpse at what the 1920’s and 30’s were like. From the writing on the dust jacket, I got the impression that this book would change my life somehow. Perhaps make me feel like adding more excitement to my life. What I actually found inside these pages disappointed me.

From the story told we find a self-indulgent teenager, like nearly any other throughout history. She has arguments with her parents, worries about school, has issues with her peers, and is largely worried over romance. Every chapter she’s devoted her life to a new artistic calling. The only glimpse we get into the time period consists of the scandalous behavior of Florence and those who she chooses to surround herself with.

The sad part of this story for me is that after the writing of the diary, Florence went on to marry one of her childhood sweethearts and start a family, but she never seemed to be fulfilled. In all of these years she still hasn’t found whatever it is that she was looking for to fulfill her life.

Though this book was well-written and in parts had some interesting stories, I really felt like it was a letdown. I’m sure that Florence has led an amazing life and is an incredible person, but this book does absolutely nothing to show that.

Armchair Interviews says: Heed this reviewer’s comments.

Author’s Web site: http://www.LilyKoppel.com