How was the reception of “Womens Barracks” different in France?
“Women’s Barracks” was never published in France. I was interested to publish part of my diary in France because I felt the truth was more interesting than fiction. And the diary, which appeared in France as “Free French,” had the same stories about the same girls, but not written as fiction, written as my life in the army … Even now, they say, maybe we should publish “Women’s Barracks.” And I always say, no, I don’t want it to be published in France. “Women’s Barracks” has become known as a book that was a kind of lifeline for girls and young women who were trying to explore or come to terms with their sexuality. Were you surprised when you learned how popular your book was with women? Yes, very surprised. And I had no idea until very recently. Maybe a year ago, a friend of mine called me and said, “Did you know that your book is being sold on the Internet? And that you are a well-known writer that is called a lesbian writer?” And I was extremely surprised! That’s very funny. Yes, i
