Getting Lost
Getting Lost () is a 2001 memoir by Annie Ernaux published by Seven Stories Press and distributed by Penguin Random House. Originally released in 2001 in its original French, it was re-released in 2022 translated into English. The book details an 18-month love affair between Ernaux and an unnamed Soviet diplomat that began in 1988. The narrative, consisting of diary entries by Ernaux, explores concepts including love, lust and the fear of abandonment. This was Ernaux's second work related to the relationship with the diplomat; with the other work being the semi-autobiographical novel Simple Passion (which was previously published in 1991 in France). Plot The love affair between Ernaux and the Soviet diplomat began in 1988 when the two first met at an embassy function in Leningrad. The two then had numerous sexual encounters in Leningrad and Paris over the next 18 months which were detailed in the book. In addition to these encounters, other parts of the book described Ernaux's fear of rejection as she awaited her love interest to return her calls. Ernaux also described difficulties working as a writer during the affair referring to her feelings at the time as an "Intense desire keeps me from working".