Wasn't sure whether to put this in a science or arts thread. I'm nearly through with the book Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides which came out in 2002 and has won a Pulitzer and other prizes. Just a great story and a fascinating though rare condition. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2187.Middlesex
I've always been intrigued by what differences there may be between the sexes, especially any involving our perspective on and experience of the world and ourselves. To read a tale written from the POV of someone whose POV is a mix of or entirely other than both has been great fun.
The other night I couldn't sleep so I got in extra chapters the first time I got up and the second time I started reading about the condition(s) on wiki. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersex There seems to be some movement at least in medical settings for moving from "middlesex" to "disorders of sexual development". While classifying it as a pathology is controversial its advocates insist that sexual assignment surgery must never be used to treat the parents discomfort, but only ever to address real and immediate physical risks for the patient until such time they might choose to address their own psychological distress in that way. These issues are not necessary to confront to enjoy a story well told, reaching back three generations with interesting historical subtexts.
Anyone interested in discussing Eugenides' novel or the condition(s) itself? Would be great for me to be able to do so with others who are interested or have experience (your own or an acquaintance) to share.
I've always been intrigued by what differences there may be between the sexes, especially any involving our perspective on and experience of the world and ourselves. To read a tale written from the POV of someone whose POV is a mix of or entirely other than both has been great fun.
The other night I couldn't sleep so I got in extra chapters the first time I got up and the second time I started reading about the condition(s) on wiki. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersex There seems to be some movement at least in medical settings for moving from "middlesex" to "disorders of sexual development". While classifying it as a pathology is controversial its advocates insist that sexual assignment surgery must never be used to treat the parents discomfort, but only ever to address real and immediate physical risks for the patient until such time they might choose to address their own psychological distress in that way. These issues are not necessary to confront to enjoy a story well told, reaching back three generations with interesting historical subtexts.
Anyone interested in discussing Eugenides' novel or the condition(s) itself? Would be great for me to be able to do so with others who are interested or have experience (your own or an acquaintance) to share.
