Annie Ernaux’s “Getting Lost,” published by Seven Stories Press, invites readers into an intimate and raw diary of a year and a half in which Ernaux engaged in a fervent yet clandestine affair with a Russian diplomat. Notably, Ernaux, an unfailing luminary in French literature, transforms her personal ordeal during this period into a visceral narrative, stripping down her prose to its core to expose the fervor and turmoil of an impassioned liaison.

The core of “Getting Lost” is Ernaux’s adept use of her diary as a literary device, where entries serve not merely to document, but to dissect her own existential and emotional states. At nearly fifty, divorced, and a mother to grown sons, Ernaux sketches a portrait of herself as both a lover and writer whose life rhythm is dictated by the sporadic presence and absence of her lover. The diary entries captivate with their unfiltered honesty and immediacy, presenting a contrast to her earlier work “Simple Passion,” which also dealt with this affair but in a more reflective tone. Here, the immediacy of the diary format brings readers closer to Ernaux’s raw emotions and the consuming nature of her affair.

The translation by Alison L. Strayer deserves special mention for its ability to maintain the piercing clarity of Ernaux’s voice; a testament to Strayer’s sensitivity to the original text and its cultural nuances. Through this meticulous translation, English-speaking audiences are granted access to Ernaux’s intricate examination of desire and dependency.

Ernaux’s portrayal of her affair with the unnamed Russian diplomat reveals more than just personal vulnerability or a dalliance; it delves into the complexities of middle-aged romance, the intersection of personal and political during the waning days of the Cold War, and the transformative power of human relationships. Her anguish and ecstasy revolve around the nucleus of her lover’s sporadic attention, succinctly captured in moments of poignant self-awareness and stark realizations about love, aging, and identity.

Critics and readers alike will find “Getting Lost” a compelling addition to Ernaux’s oeuvre. It is unapologetically honest, devoid of glorification or romantic illusion, and presents a meticulous examination of self through the lens of love and loss. This diary, while deeply personal, emerges as a universal study of the human condition—a narrative that is at once a confession and a profound exploration of the existential angst that accompanies deep emotional entanglement.

In conclusion, “Getting Lost” is not just a recounting of a love affair but a profound and unsettling navigation of the human psyche. Ernaux proves once again why she remains an indispensable voice in contemporary literature. This book is destined to resonate deeply with those who have ever found themselves lost—or found—in the consuming fire of covert desires.