Playwright Orn Guare once noted that living in your hometown is like wandering through a personal diary. He reflected on his experiences in New York, emphasizing that “everything has history.” I think back to 2010 when I lived there for about two and a half years. It’s interesting how I felt two conflicting ideas at once. You look at those street corners, and it’s like they all hold stories, even the ones that make you feel uneasy for years to come.
This brings me to Lena Dunham, who wrote a piece reflecting on her own farewell to New York, echoing sentiments from Joan Didion’s famous essay from 1967. Didion, who moved to New York at 20, and Dunham, a lifelong resident, offer different yet compelling insights about their relationships with the city.
Dunham describes a childhood view of New York as bewildering and tumultuous, at odds with her personality. She mentioned being told by countless cab drivers that she looked like she was from somewhere else.
The essay also seems to promote Dunham’s upcoming Netflix show—though, perhaps it’s more about her experiences with leaving and heartbreak rather than a direct ad. Her perspective appears to resonate with a new generation of viewers, some familiar with her work, like the film she wrote and directed or her involvement with HBO’s “Industry.” It’s wild to think about her journey from a young creator to now, reflecting on partnerships and friendships shaped by time.
On the topic of relocation, Dunham finds London appealing because it offers a “blank slate.” But, as she notes, moving requires bringing your past selves along. I suppose many people feel drawn back home for that very reason. After spending a decade in Dunham’s shoes, I understand how returning isn’t just tempting; it’s almost inevitable. For me, moving back to London made sense after realizing I didn’t want to face mortality far from my roots.
Interestingly, Dunham observes how the pace feels different between cities. In New York, time rushes, while in London, it drifts. Ultimately, she found a sense of belonging there, even if it means calling Seltzer “sparkling water” or settling for bagels that fall short of expectations. There’s a lot to write about, and Didion certainly captured the nuance of her departure in a way that resonates.”
What really attracts us to a place is often far deeper than its individual characteristics. Just the other day, while walking through a lush London street, the sight of a horse chestnut tree and the sound of a dove reminded me of childhood memories I hadn’t revisited in years. It’s strange how you can feel so strongly connected to something after decades apart.
If Guare had said at 20 that he would stay in New York forever, he’d have felt both the thrill and terror of that statement. Leaving, it seems, is a luxury, while returning home, for all its emotional weight, feels like an even greater one.
