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The Argonauts

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( 51,654 ratings, 5,439 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson is a memoir that blends personal narrative with philosophical exploration. It discusses the author’s experiences with love, motherhood, and gender identity while delving into broader questions of language, identity, and the fluidity of life. Nelson’s prose is intimate and thought-provoking, making for a deeply engaging read.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you enjoy a blend of memoir and critical theory, exploring themes of identity, motherhood, love, and the fluidity of gender. It's particularly appealing for readers interested in intimate, vulnerable narratives combined with intellectual reflections.

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The Argonauts

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson is an extraordinary memoir that deftly navigates the challenging and ever-evolving terrain of love, language, and family. At its heart is the author’s transformative romance with artist Harry Dodge, who exists beyond the constraints of traditional gender roles. Through this deeply personal and intellectually rigorous narrative, Nelson chronicles their union, exploring the poetic and profound moments of falling in love, merging lives, and creating a family.

This genre-defying work blurs the lines between memoir, theory, and poetry, resulting in a unique form of 'autotheory'. Nelson ingeniously blends her personal experiences with a critical analysis of prominent theories on sexuality, gender, and the complex institutions of marriage and child-rearing. She engages in conversation with the works of iconic thinkers like Susan Sontag and Roland Barthes, offering fresh and incisive perspectives on the limitations and possibilities inherent in love and language.

Central to the memoir is Nelson's account of her pregnancy and the multifaceted journey towards motherhood, set against the backdrop of a queer family dynamic. Through candid and introspective prose, she reveals the intimate struggles and triumphs of (queer) family-making, highlighting the intricate dance between radical individual freedom and the deep-seated need for connection and care. The narrative doesn't shy away from the philosophical; instead, it embraces and intertwines it with the raw, real-world experiences of desire, identity, and the fluidity of gender.

Nelson's prose is both fierce and tender, filled with a fervent desire to challenge and deconstruct normative frameworks. Her insistence on the value of caretaking and profound respect for individual autonomy serves as a compelling rallying cry for readers seeking thoughtful, unabashedly honest dialogue. The Argonauts stands as a testament to the power of love and language as tools for personal and societal transformation, making it an essential read for those interested in contemporary discourse on family, identity, and the human condition.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson is lauded for its profound exploration of change, gender, and sexuality, blending intellectual insight with genuine emotion. Critics celebrate it as a remarkable portrayal of romantic partnership and a fluid, thought-provoking narrative on motherhood and identity. Its innovative style and sincere reflections make it an exceptionally intelligent and moving read.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781925355604

Publisher: Text Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 13 April 2016

Country: Australia

Imprint: The Text Publishing Company

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 192

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