Anaïs Nin was a French-Cuban author and diarist, born on February 21, 1903, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. She is best known for her diaries, which documented her personal experiences, relationships, and exploration of her own identity. Nin’s writing pushed the boundaries of conventional literature and delved into themes of sexuality, desire, and self-discovery.

Nin began keeping a diary at a young age, and her extensive journals spanned several decades. Her writing was deeply introspective and often explored the complexities of human relationships and emotions. In addition to her diaries, Nin wrote novels, short stories, and essays, contributing to the realm of literary fiction.

Here are a few quotes from Anaïs Nin:

1. “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.”
2. “I, with a deeper instinct, choose a man who compels my strength, who makes enormous demands on me, who does not doubt my courage or my toughness, who does not believe me naïve or innocent, who has the courage to treat me like a woman.”
3. “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
4. “I’m restless. Things are calling me away. My hair is being pulled by the stars again.”
5. “Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.”

Regarding her best five books, Anaïs Nin’s literary legacy is predominantly defined by her diaries. Here are five notable works associated with her:

1. “The Diary of Anaïs Nin” (1931-1974) – A multi-volume collection of Nin’s personal diaries, which offer intimate insights into her life, relationships, and artistic development.
2. “Delta of Venus” (1977) – A collection of erotic short stories that Nin wrote for a private client during the 1940s, exploring themes of sensuality and desire.
3. “Henry and June” (1986) – A selection of passages from Nin’s diaries that document her passionate and complex relationship with writer Henry Miller and his wife, June.
4. “The Four-Chambered Heart” (1950) – A semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the psyche of a woman named Djuna, exploring themes of love, passion, and personal growth.
5. “A Spy in the House of Love” (1954) – A novel that follows the life of Sabina, a woman navigating her desires and exploring her identity within the confines of societal expectations.

These works exemplify Anaïs Nin’s unique voice, her willingness to explore taboo subjects, and her skill in capturing the nuances of human experience. Her diaries continue to be celebrated for their introspection and candidness, making her a significant figure in 20th-century literature.