The Unfiltered World of Fran Lebowitz
In a characteristically candid interview, acclaimed American author and social commentator Fran Lebowitz has once again delivered a masterclass in sharp wit and unapologetic opinion. The 75-year-old New Yorker, known for her sardonic observations on modern life, spared no target from leaf blowers to hiking during her recent conversation.
On Modern Annoyances and Social Conventions
Leaf blowers received particularly scathing criticism from Lebowitz, who described them as "a horrible, horrible invention." She recalled her first encounter with the machines twenty years ago while renting a country house, expressing disbelief at their noise pollution and fundamental inefficiency. "Ten minutes after you use it," she noted, "that big leaf blower in the sky blows them all back. It's a very stupid invention."
When it comes to social engagements, Lebowitz firmly places herself in the guest category rather than the host. "I like dinner parties at other people's houses. I do not give them," she stated, adding that age has brought the wisdom to avoid undesirable gatherings through careful pre-screening.
The concept of book clubs left her similarly unenthused, despite acknowledging their potential appeal to others. "I cannot think of a more solitary activity than reading – which is one of the reasons I love to read," she explained, highlighting the inherently personal nature of literary engagement.
Travel Tribulations and Fashion Frustrations
Airports came under fire as "a horrible place invented by leaf blowers," with Lebowitz particularly criticising smoking bans and unpredictable security experiences. She revealed being swiped for explosives "more times than anyone you could imagine," while restraining herself from pointing out the obvious: "Do I look like the person who has a bomb in my luggage? Let's be sensible here."
The topic of jeans sparked both nostalgia and frustration for the author, famous for her consistent denim wardrobe. "They no longer make the perfect pair of jeans," she lamented, wishing she had purchased hundreds of pairs when Levi's still manufactured her preferred style. She continues to repair her existing collection, maintaining that anything beyond what she considers the reasonable $25 price point is "ridiculous."
Literary Judgements and Personal Revelations
Lebowitz didn't hold back when discussing contemporary literature, confessing she struggles with most modern novels despite wanting to appreciate them. She dismissed suggestions that her preferences might be generational, asserting that quality storytelling should transcend the author's age. While critical of many writers, she reluctantly acknowledged the enduring quality of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, admitting she rereads it every five years "hoping it's not that good – but unfortunately it is."
When asked about potential nemeses, Lebowitz responded with characteristic dryness: "I'm sure I have more than one. I'm sure I have them by the dozen." However, she clarified that she doesn't actively track such opposition, content in the knowledge that she's "not America's sweetheart."
Her acting appearances in Law and Order and The Wolf of Wall Street both played to her natural talents, she explained. "I played a judge – because I am a judge. All I do from morning to night is judge." The opportunity to wield an actual gavel and robe appealed, though she insists acting talent eludes her beyond such typecasting.
Looking abroad, Lebowitz expressed admiration for Australia's food regulations and architectural marvels, particularly wishing New York had an equivalent to the Sydney Opera House. She praised Australia's rigorous agricultural standards, contrasting them with American practices that allow importing produce like watermelons in February, which she described as "horrible."
Among her cherished possessions is her childhood sled, complete with the rope her father tied to it when she was about six years old. It shares space in her apartment with numerous 19th-century furniture pieces and, like everything else, supports stacks of books.
Reflecting on her early career struggles, including a stint as a 1970s New York taxi driver, Lebowitz realised: "Fran, you just don't like to work." She concluded she "would have been a fantastic heiress" instead.
Fran Lebowitz will bring her unique perspective to Australian and New Zealand audiences in May 2026 with her touring show 'An Evening with Fran Lebowitz.' Despite frequent public recognition, particularly on New York streets and subways, she maintains philosophical about attention: "If you don't like me, don't read my books and don't watch my stuff!"
