I had read a short piece by Maria Popova on her Brain Pickings web site and I was intrigued by the content that Maria had posted, so I decided to read the book itself. I had known of the School of Life books from my acquaintance with Alain de Botton’s work and I had very high expectations.
This title more than met my expectations but in different ways. I had expected the tome to be much heavier, more philosophical and questioning. It was all of that and more. Maitland researched her topic thoroughly. She split the topic into three sections: Being Alone in the Twentieth Century, Rebalancing Attitude to Solitude, and The Joys of Solitude. So she proposes a problem, goes into the history of our civilization’s take on solitude and all the social and cultural constraints that we have imposed on those that seek solitude. She talks about the alternative ways to think of solitude and being alone, ways that debunk the cultural taboos that was imposed by a culture that is dominated by extraverts. Finally, she talks about the joys and satisfaction that comes with spending time only with yourself.
This is a remarkable book, one that lays out a history of a social act which is both beloved and mistrusted by the mass culture.
Maitland writes in a leisurely rhythm, the pace of the information flow is fast enough to keep the reader’s attention yet exciting enough to be interesting. Her prose is lovely and loving, giving the readers a gentle introduction to the topic; she is rigorous as well, presenting her facts with convincing details. It was a lesson in the school of life; indeed, this is a very engrossing and also a very educational one, perfect for the introverted autodidact such as myself. ( )

I wasn't quite sure what to expect in this short book, but it wasn't quite the self help/personal development book I anticipated. It is largely a history and contemporary description of societal attitudes towards solitude, albeit leavened by some tips for how to seek solitude for those unable through personal circumstances or a fear of societal disapproval to try to do it. While I love and am usually energised by solitude myself, and recognise some of the negative societal attitudes she describes ("mad, bad or sad"), I think she overstates somewhat her case that we seekers of solitude are effectively an oppressed minority. An interesting read. ( )