New Book Revives Passionate Correspondence Between James Joyce and Nora Barnacle

"The letters to Nora," a book edited by Italian writer Andrea Carloni, has been published by Alter Ego Edizioni and is available as of May 2024. This compelling collection of letters exchanged between famed Irish author James Joyce and his wife Nora Barnacle offers readers an intimate glimpse into their passionate and unconventional relationship, which played a significant role in shaping Joyce's literary masterpieces.

The book meticulously edited and translated by Carloni, uses the private correspondence between Joyce and Barnacle to craft a modern and contemporary narrative. The letters reveal Nora as a fervent, rebellious, and emancipated woman, far from the traditional image of an angelic housewife. Her relationship with Joyce, initially deemed scandalous and unsuccessful, is laid bare in its raw and visceral truth, showcasing a bond that transcended societal norms and ultimately culminated in marriage.

The correspondence, often referred to by critics as "dirty letters," highlights a unique and direct relationship where Joyce viewed Nora as his muse in various evocative and sometimes controversial ways. The letters are filled with sexual fantasies and confessions, as both Joyce and Nora navigated periods of separation. Despite Joyce's claim of disliking vulgar language, the surviving letters reveal a candid exchange of erotic thoughts and desires.

One letter from Joyce, dated late July 1904 and sent from 60 Shelbourne Road, Dublin, encapsulates the tone of their exchanges: "My particularly sulky Nora, I told you I would write to you. Now write to me and tell me what the hell you were up to the other night. I'm sure something was wrong. It seemed to me that you were sorry for something that didn't happen – which would be very natural for you. I have tried to console my hand ever since but to no avail. Where will you be Saturday night, Sunday night, Monday night, since I won't be able to see you? Now, farewell, dearest. I kiss that miraculous dimple on your neck, Your Christian Brother of Lust. J.A.J."

Through Carloni's curation, readers can explore Joyce's main works while gaining deeper insights into the life and mind of this timeless author. The letters cover a wide array of themes, including sex, debts, illnesses, scandals, disappointments, and love, offering a multifaceted view of Joyce's existence and creative inspirations.

The relationship between Joyce and Barnacle began on June 16, 1904, a date now celebrated as "Bloomsday" in honor of Joyce. This passionate bond was a wellspring of inspiration for many of Joyce's works, with Nora embodying various roles such as the lover, muse, and wife. Joyce's letters to her reflect this dynamic: "Adorn your body for me, dearest, be beautiful and happy and loving and provocative, full of memories, full of desires, when we see each other. Do you remember the three adjectives I used in my book when talking about your body? I am 'musical and strange and fragrant'."

A selection of this rich correspondence is presented in Carloni's volume, enabling readers to retrace the stages of an intense, taboo-free relationship. The letters capture moments of jealousy, fragments of shared life, nostalgia, and expectations, all while oscillating between ethereal and extremely erotic expressions of love.