Through Another Lens: My Years with Edward Weston by Charis Wilson

This is officially one of my favorite books. I learned early in life that I enjoy biographies, but then I discovered autobiographies and memoirs, which are much better. This memoir was written by Charis Wilson, the second wife of photographer Edward Weston.

I have read this book 2 times before, but I am now reading it with my husband who is a photographer. One of the things that I love about this book is that it can interest both me and my husband. The photography aspect interests him, while the writing really draws me into their story.

This story chronicles the approximately 11 years that Edward and Charis spent together. It not only tells their story of falling in love, sharing their lives, and eventually their growth apart that eventually led to their separation, but also gives insight into their photographic travels and the collaboration they shared. A good portion of the book details their Guggenheim trips, the first of which resulted in their book, California and the West (another book I would recommend.)

Charis Wilson is a wonderful story-teller who shares her innermost thoughts and feelings in this book. I highly recommend this book.