Reviews and Comments

"Eve" by Cat Bohannon offers a comprehensive and compelling re-examination of human evolution, emphasizing the significant role of the female body in shaping our species' evolutionary history and societies.  Drawing upon disciplines such as evolutionary biology, physiology, palaeoanthropology, and genetics, Bohannon challenges the long-standing male-centric narrative of human development and brings attention to the contributions of the female body.

The book begins with a captivating tour of mammalian development, tracing back to the Jurassic era. By emphasizing the role of women, Bohannon provides an alternative narrative that sheds light on the often overlooked aspects of human evolution. Through this lens, she presents a new history of our species, one that highlights the evolutionary significance of the female body.

One of the primary goals of "Eve" is to challenge stereotypes and encourage readers to reconsider traditional narratives. Bohannon highlights the limitations of evolutionary reasoning that have perpetuated male-centric views. By doing so, she urges us to recognize the essential role of women in shaping our society and future.

Throughout the book, Bohannon explores various aspects of the female body that have influenced human evolution and continue to impact contemporary society. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, cognitive differences, menopause, and other biological factors are thoroughly examined, emphasising their significance in shaping our species. By delving into subjects such as midwifery, gynaecology, and prenatal care, Bohannon highlights the biological and social adaptations related to the female body that have contributed to our survival and flourishing as a species.

In her analysis, Bohannon also addresses the historical bias in scientific research, which has often prioritised male bodies and excluded female bodies from studies. This biased approach has resulted in an incomplete understanding of human evolution and health. By shedding light on this issue, Bohannon calls for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to scientific research, highlighting the importance of considering both male and female bodies.

Bohannon's insightful analysis of the evolution of our culture emphasises the profound influence of traits such as problem-solving, collaboration, and storytelling. She suggests that the evolutionary forces and the role of the female body in shaping these traits have played a pivotal role in our shared human experience.

Through extensive research and engaging storytelling, Cat Bohannon challenges traditional beliefs and assumptions and encourages us to recognise and celebrate the strength and the essential role of women in our evolutionary history. "Eve" serves as a reminder that our shared history is a tapestry woven by the remarkable influence of women throughout time.

Alberto Toscano's book "Late Fascism: Race, Capitalism, and the Politics of Crisis" challenges conventional understandings of fascism, that associate fascism primarily with the kind of political violence experienced by past European regimes, offering instead a nuanced perspective that transcends historical boundaries.
 
 Toscano’s main argument is that the traditional framework for identifying and understanding contemporary fascism is insufficient. Mussolini's and Hitler's Germany, he argues, were not isolated phenomena but rather crystallisations of a broader historical process. The association between fascism and a monolithic, bureaucratic state, as dictated by Italian fascism or national socialism, is insufficient to comprehend modern fascism. Instead, Toscano proposes that we should see fascism as a changeable process formed by racial and colonial capitalism and one that is intimately linked to capitalism's demands for domination.
 
 Toscano's analysis of far-right movements, particularly in the U.S., extends beyond historical fascist regimes. Drawing inspiration from Black radical and anti-colonial theories, he explores the intersection of fascism, settler colonial formations, and extreme neoliberalism. By drawing on the insights of figures like Angela Davis and George Jackson, whose work sheds light on the racial dynamics and power structures that underpin far-right movements, Toscano exposes the racialised nature of political violence, emphasising the systemic targeting of marginalised communities.
 
 To gain a deeper understanding of their complexity, Toscano examines the underlying political economy of far-right movements. He suggests that these movements arise from a sense of white homogeneity and the fear of annihilation and victimisation among privileged groups. Toscano introduces the concept of "repressive egalitarianism" within fascism, highlighting its foundations in an identity of subjection and a brotherhood of hatred. This notion challenges the notion that fascism is solely about the domination of one group over another. Instead, Toscano argues that fascism operates through a reproduction of power dynamics, sustaining itself by suppressing and eliminating those who are different or deemed as "other."
 
 While Toscano does not explicitly discuss the relationship between fascism and feminism, his analysis of fascism could potentially be extended to consider gender hierarchies. Historically, fascists have generally argued that women's primary function was domestic and reproductive, expecting women to produce the future citizens, soldiers, and mothers of the race. The position of women in contemporary far-right parties is not dissimilar, promising to respect the advances made by women but attacking feminists and advocating policies that would actually remove many gains.
 
 Fascism is a contentious topic that continues to shape the political landscape around the world. By understanding its historical roots and contemporary manifestations, we can actively fight its influence and work towards a society that embraces diversity and equality. 

Mary Beard has written a powerful and beautiful book. A book that you can carry in your bag, read it and then re-read it, and read it once more (I have already read it twice).

We live in an era that women, around the world, have more power than ever before. But women are less represented in the sectors and positions with the most power - men still dominate decision-making and our cultural and mental template for a powerful person remains absolutely male.

Mary Beard’s subject is the ways women get silenced in public discourse. From Ancient Greece to Angela Merkel and Hillary Clinton. From Penelope in Homer’s Odyssey, 3000 year ago, when Telemachus effectively told her to “shut up” to Senator Elizabeth Warren which, on February 2017, was silenced for reading at the Senate, a 30-year-old letter written by Coretta Scott King criticizing attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions. But Senate Republicans notably didn’t object when Sanders and three other male senators later read portions of the same letter on the Senate floor.

But the book is not only about women in the highest echelons of power in international politics. It is about all of us, all women that work and participate in public life. Women that are often subject to sexism and prejudice. Yes, there is misogyny, and misogyny is a good place to start in understanding the general phenomenon, but what is going on today is a bit more complicated. It has to do with authority, male authority to be precise.

Women pay a very high price for being heard. Many women, including Mary Beard, have been the targets of misogynistic abuse via social media. Such hateful and hostile reactions are frequently directed at women who challenge men’s power and authority and they are liable to be written off as nasty, greedy, selfish and domineering. Misogyny and abuse is corrosive of women’s participation in public life, but this is something entirely different, it is about demeaning, trivialising, even threatening, it is an enforced silencing of women.

Medusa has been used for centuries to criticize powerful women. In Western culture, strong women have historically been imagined as threats that need to be controlled and, for centuries, Medusa, a symbol of seduction and power, feminist and castration threat, has been used to criticise and demonize female authority. It is no surprise then, that Medusa has cropped up repeatedly to depict influential female figures as the mythological snake-haired monster. A few minutes on google search shows that it is a trend, to photoshop women in power as Medusas. Nancy Pelosi, Angela Merkel, Teresa May, Hillary Clinton, all are presented with snaky hair.

At the end of the 19th Susan B. Anthony identified the lack of women on newspapers,

"If the men own the paper- that is, if the men control the management of the paper- then the women who write for these papers must echo the sentiment of these men. And if they do not do that, their heads are cut off."

But this is the 21st century. We have been silenced for too long. Not anymore.

The Forgotten Girls by Monica Potts is a well-written and insightful book that sheds light on the overlooked struggles faced by women in rural areas, particularly in Clinton, Arkansas, where the life expectancy of America's least educated white women has recently been shrinking due to what she terms "diseases of despair" such as suicide, drunken driving, and overdoses. The book is a blend of memoir and research, a profound and empathetic account of the struggles of poor, rural white women in America, and the challenges they face in escaping poverty and addiction.

Potts intertwines her own life story with that of her childhood friend, Darci Brawner, to provide a window into the lives of poor, rural white women in America. While Potts managed to break free from the constraints of her upbringing and pursue a career in journalism, Darci remained trapped in a cycle of despair. By sharing these contrasting narratives, Potts illustrates the limited choices faced by women like Darci and the profound impact these choices have on their lives.

Potts explores how larger forces, such as family, education, religion, and politics, shape the lives of rural women, and highlights the pervasive culture of evangelical Christianity, which can inadvertently steer girls towards early marriage and motherhood. This cultural dynamic contributes to a cycle of addiction and domestic abuse, further perpetuating the challenges faced by these women.

The Forgotten Girls is a poignant and impassioned narrative that highlights the wasted potential and shattered lives of rural white women. It is an appeal and channelled anger towards a system that continues to fail and exploit those desperately seeking a way out. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complex social and economic issues facing America today.

There is evidence that climate change is causing more frequent and severe weather events, but it is still difficult to determine if these two storms or any other extreme weather event is directly caused by climate change. Understanding the link between climate change and these events is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate their impacts. One scientist at the forefront of this research is Friederike Otto, whose work in attribution science has shed light on the extent to which human-induced climate change contributes to extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods. 

In Angry Weather, Otto introduces attribution science, a field of study that aims to assess the extent to which human-caused climate change contributes to extreme weather events.  Using statistical methods and computer models, scientists compare observed climate data with global climate simulations that include and exclude human influence. 

In the book, Otto argues that attribution science can help us understand the role of climate change in extreme weather events and develop strategies to mitigate their impacts in the future. She discusses several significant weather disasters that have occurred in recent years. Some of the most notable ones are Hurricane Harvey, which hit Texas in 2017 and caused widespread flooding and damage, and the European heatwave of 2019, which broke temperature records across the continent and caused numerous deaths. These weather disasters are just a few examples of the many extreme weather events that have occurred in recent years and are consistent with the predictions of climate change models. 

Attribution science plays a vital role in our response to climate change. By understanding the extent to which human-induced climate change affects specific extreme weather events, governments can formulate effective climate policies. This knowledge also helps in the development of climate-resilient infrastructure and planning for climate adaptation. When policymakers are aware of the increased likelihood of specific extreme weather events due to climate change, they can take proactive measures to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience within communities. 

Attribution science has significant legal and financial implications. Establishing liability for climate-related damages and providing evidence for causal claims can be crucial in holding major greenhouse gas emitters accountable. If specific weather events can be linked to human-induced climate change, it could lead to increased litigation against those responsible. This aspect of attribution science serves as a powerful tool for seeking justice and driving change. 

Attribution science is still a young field, and scientists are still trying to improve and standardize the methods that they use to conduct attribution studies. However, through ongoing research and advancements in technology, it is rapidly evolving. The attention it receives in the media raises public awareness of the impacts of climate change on extreme weather events, ultimately garnering greater support for actions to mitigate climate change. 

Angry Weather is a well-researched and accessible book that provides a comprehensive overview of attribution science and its role in understanding climate change.  It is timely and relevant, given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events around the world, and it highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and the need for immediate action. 

The Fraud by Zadie Smith is a captivating historical fiction novel that transports readers to 19th-century England, delving into the intricacies of a celebrated criminal trial, the Tichborne case. With meticulous attention to detail, Smith weaves a tale that revolves around Eliza Touchet, a Scottish widow who finds herself entangled in the life of William Ainsworth, a popular Victorian novelist.

William Ainsworth, who was Charles Dickens’ friend and a more successful author in their early years, is portrayed as a waning literary figure who is fighting to stay relevant. He serves as a symbol of the challenges faced by writers during Victorian England, as new literary movements and tastes began to emerge.

The big trial and the unfolding social and psychological drama are what drive the plot of the novel. Eliza Touchet's interest is piqued by one of the primary witnesses in the trial, the enigmatic figure of Andrew Bogle, an elderly Jamaican who holds the secrets of a past shrouded in the brutality of slavery. 

Smith delves into the darker aspects of the era, shedding light on the British colonial slave trade and the abolitionist movement. Drawing upon historical events and the experiences of characters like Andrew Bogle, Smith portrays the harsh realities of colonization and the complexities of navigating a society where racism and prejudice are deeply ingrained.

No exploration of Victorian England would be complete without acknowledging the influence of the iconic Charles Dickens. Smith deftly utilises his character to delve into the contradictions and complexities of Victorian England. It was an era of major transformations in most aspects of English life, from scientific, economic, and technological advances to changes in class structures and the role of religion in society. Authors like Thomas Carlyle began to direct their attention toward social issues, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of the Industrial Revolution.

Dickens' role as a social commentator and his critique of the worst excesses of Victorian society are explored through the lens of Eliza Touchet. Dickens is credited with bringing novelists to a new level of moral and political stature, something that Eliza Touchet objects to on ethical grounds. Dickens, while celebrated for being sympathetic to the plight of the poor and disadvantaged in British society, has also been criticized for his attitudes, which have been perceived as racist and xenophobic.

Through Mrs Touchet, Smith is challenging Victorian ideas of gender and sexuality. The Victorian era was characterised by rigid gender roles and societal expectations of women. Domesticity, motherhood, and the preservation of moral standards were considered paramount. However, despite the restrictions, women made some progress in the 19th century. While they did not have the right to vote, sue, or, if married, own property, as Britain transformed into an industrial nation, Victorian feminism emerged as a significant political force. 

Natsumi's life revolves around her family and the mundane tasks that accompany her role as a housewife. From preparing meals to tending to her husband and children, every action becomes a symbol of the monotonous and isolated life she leads.

Originally written in 1997 by Mieko Kanai and recently translated into English by Polly Barton, Mild Vertigo delves into the depths of isolation, the challenges of a monotonous life, and the intricacies of family relationships.

By painting a vivid picture of Natsumi's repetitive daily routine, Mieko Kanai masterfully captures the essence of monotony and the suffocating feeling of being trapped in a never-ending cycle.  The unconscious mental narrative style allows the reader to dive into the depths of Natsumi's mind, experiencing her internal monologue and feeling the weight of each monotonous act in real time. Her musings, fears, and desires reflect the mundane nature of her daily life and provide a glimpse into the depths of her longing for something more meaningful.

Within this domestic sphere, which serves as a microcosm of alienation, Kanai examines the intricate dynamics of family relationships. Natsumi's interactions with her husband and children serve as a backdrop for studying the multifaceted nature of familial bonds and the human need for connection and belonging. At the heart of the novel lies Natsumi's relationship with her husband and the intricacies of marriage, exploring the challenges of maintaining intimacy and connection over time.

Mild Vertigo is a dreamlike and introspective journey of a woman who contemplates her own existence and the challenges of forging connections in a world that can feel disconnected. Hence the title of the novel. It reflects the protagonist's internal state of mind, which is often dizzying and disorienting.