January 3, 2022 – Chum Creek
I don't want to have kids, but I'm increasingly interested in motherhood and its role in feminism and its ability to transform women.
There's something about it that appeals to me on a level of radical politics, bodily autonomy, care and community. There's something that's clearly radical in getting familiar with the trauma and viscera of birth, which is often edited out. There's something important about labour and (re)production that is deeply political.
I'm not interested in marriage or heteronormativity or nuclear families, so this beautiful story of queer motherhood, gender, death, birth and building a family touches on so many almost universal moments but through a deeply feminine and queer voice. Weaving in quotes from scholars and theorists, memories, fears and moments together, Nelson has created a really interesting and captivating text — part memoir, part essay, part something else entirely.
I found myself savouring this, wanting to spend more time with the author and in her world. I would love for the men in my life to read this book, to really get a sense of womanhood and the perspective explored here.
Recommended by Steph.