Fifty-seven years ago, in his lecture The Two Cultures, the English physicist-turned-novelist C P Snow bemoaned the "gulf of mutual incomprehension" that existed between "physical scientists" and "literary intellectuals". The American writer Siri Hustvedt isn't a fan of the bulk of Snow's lecture. However, she opens her persuasive and thought-provoking new book of essays, A Woman Looking at Men Looking at Women, with a reference to it because the problem Snow identified has, she declares, "only grown more urgent in the last half-century".
“The fragmentation of knowledge is nothing new,” she explains, “but it is safe to say that in the twenty-first century the chances of genuine conversation among people in different disciplines has diminished rather than increased.”
Hustvedt is particularly well placed to make this observation. Her cerebral life began in the "soft" territories of the humanities. She has a PhD in English from Columbia University – her subject was the work of Charles Dickens – and she's best known as a novelist. Her first, The Blindfold, was published in 1993, and her most recent, The Blazing World, was long-listed for the 2014 Man Booker Prize.
She's also a poet, essayist and memoirist; the works that fall into the latter two categories (four previous essay collections and The Shaking Woman or A History of My Nerves) edging further and further into the "hard" realm of the natural sciences.
An autodidact, she has spent years learning about physiology, with a particular emphasis on neurobiology directed by her own experience of suffering seizures for which doctors found no physiological cause. As such, she now also publishes papers in scientific journals and lectures in psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College at Cornell University.
Hustvedt is clearly a “complicated woman”, which is the “perspicacious” description afforded her by one of her students when she taught writing to psychiatric inpatients at the Payne Whitney Clinic in New York City. She straddles boundaries between disciplines that traditionally aren’t bridged, and in doing so she experiences first-hand the prejudices and assumptions of received beliefs that exist on both sides of the humanities/sciences coin.
“Because I write fiction and non-fiction and have an abiding interest in neurobiology and philosophy (still mostly male disciplines), I embody the masculine/feminine, serious/not-so-serious, hard/soft divide in my own work. When I publish a paper in a science journal or lecture at a conference in the sciences, I find myself on male terrain, but when I publish a novel, I stay squarely in female land.”
This quote comes from one of the most entertaining essays in the collection, which takes its title from the Norwegian writer Karl Ove Knausgaard’s reply when, while she was interviewing him, Hustvedt asked why, compared to the multitude of male writers referenced, the only female writer he mentions in his work is Julia Kristeva. “No competition,” was his reply, from which Hustvedt infers “that for him competition, literary and otherwise, means pitting himself against other men.”
The irony, of course, Hustvedt points out, is that Knausgaard's works are something of a "journey into femininity". He writes about his "feelings", his experiences of the domestic sphere, and he cries a lot in My Struggle. Hustvedt isn't destabilizing the power of the Norwegian writer's work, instead she's pointing out a "contextual problem," both in terms of his own perception, and that of the wider public's reception, of his work.
“What if it were a woman moaning about motherhood and its frustrations,” she asks, “a woman filled with resentment about preparing dinner and doing the laundry, or a woman wishing she could just be alone for a while and write?”
Giving weight to her insight are the anecdotes in which she grounds her argument, opening the essay with three examples of first-hand experience: the male journalist who insisted her husband (the novelist Paul Auster) had "taught" her psychoanalysis and neuroscience, even after Hustvedt had insisted that Auster had little interest in either subject; the male publisher who, having read her third novel, condescendingly told her, "You should keep writing"; and the female fan of The Blazing World who asked if Auster had written the sections of the book that belong to one of the male characters.
A Woman Looking at Men Looking at Women is split into three sections. The Knausgaard essay appears in the first part: 11 essays loosely linked by an examination of "the perceptual biases that affect how we judge art". Hence the reappearance of the issue of gender-related inequalities, whether here in relation to a Norwegian misery memoir, or the literature written on Picasso that "continually turns grown-up women into girls,": all the women in his life, whether lovers, muses, friends or peers infantilized through the use of their first names only.
Other standouts for me were My Louise Bourgeois, an essay on the French-American artist predicated on Hustvedt's long-held belief that "the experience of art is made only in the encounter between spectator and art object"; the rather lovely Much Ado About Hairdos, which weaves the memory of braiding her daughter's hair before bed each night with Freud's interpretation of Medusa and the fairytale Rapunzel; and The Writing Self and the Psychiatric Patient, a fascinating account of Hustvedt's experience working at the Payne Whitney Clinic.
In many ways the trajectory of the collection as a whole mirrors that of Hustvedt's own ongoing education. She begins with essays on art, literature and psychoanalysis. Then comes a 200-page essay on the mind/body problem, The Delusions of Certainty, that is best read as a summation of the studies she has pursued since pushing the boundaries of the humanities. The sheer number of writers' and thinkers' work referenced – from Descartes and the 17th-century natural philosopher Margaret Cavendish, through Sigmund Freud, to evolutionary psychologist Steven Pinker (interestingly, Freud fares better than Pinker) – demonstrates considerable scholarship.
Then, in the final section of the book, What Are We? Lectures on the Human Condition, we're able to enjoy the fruits of this labour: eight talks given at academic conferences, and one piece written for an anthology published by an academic press, all of which prove Hustvedt a critical thinker par excellence.
There’s an examination of hysteria that takes its title from the case history of a Cambodian woman – she had witnessed her family taken to their deaths during the Khmer Rouge regime, cried for four years and then, when she finally stopped, went blind – that suggests comprehending such incidents requires “an upheaval in our understanding of what mind-brain actually is”. A consideration of suicide that asks the groundbreaking question, what does it actually mean to kill your “self”, “What is being attacked and/or escaped from?”
Meanwhile, in another, she scrutinizes that question oft asked of novelists, “Where do you get your ideas?”, via a philosophical analysis of the queries, “What does it mean to have an idea? What is an idea?”
What quickly becomes clear as you read this collection is that Hustvedt is more interested in questions than answers. This isn’t a book of absolutes; instead she’s a dynamic enough thinker (and reader) to find the points of intersection between disciplines, and the breadth of plural perspectives available, the most fertile soil.
It’s fitting then that the final piece – originally given as the keynote lecture at an international conference on Søren Kierkegaard’s work in Copenhagen – plays with the philosopher’s “formal, often novelistic strategies … echo[es] his pseudonymous poses, and … demonstrate[s] that his philosophy also lives in the prose style itself, in its structures, images, and metaphors.” Thus, in what is the final paragraph of the book, Hustvedt reminds us that: “Philosophy may arrive in the form of a novel. Story, vivid metaphor, emotion, sensuality, the particular case – none of these is an enemy of philosophy.”
While there’s no denying that Hustvedt demonstrates admirable command of myriad subjects – her investigations embodying the idealized dialogue she and Snow agree is sadly absent from the majority of intellectual endeavour, and for the most part diplomatically so, her prose is always clear-sighted and subtly radiant – she’s still a better novelist. This, I suspect, is something she knows.
Having described the novel as “a form of almost enchanted flexibility […] an extraordinary vehicle for ideas”, she can invest her creations with urgent philosophical inquiry.
However, as a self-taught natural scientist with such broad interests, she’s fated to remain “a perpetual outsider” always looking in.
Lucy Scholes is a freelance reviewer based in London.
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Results
Catchweight 60kg: Mohammed Al Katheeri (UAE) beat Mostafa El Hamy (EGY) TKO round 3
Light Heavyweight: Ibrahim El Sawi (EGY) no contest Kevin Oumar (COM) Unintentional knee by Oumer
Catchweight 73kg: Yazid Chouchane (ALG) beat Ahmad Al Boussairy (KUW) Unanimous decision
Featherweight: Faris Khaleel Asha (JOR) beat Yousef Al Housani (UAE) TKO in round 2 through foot injury
Welterweight: Omar Hussein (JOR) beat Yassin Najid (MAR); Split decision
Middleweight: Yousri Belgaroui (TUN) beat Sallah Eddine Dekhissi (MAR); Round-1 TKO
Lightweight: Abdullah Mohammed Ali Musalim (UAE) beat Medhat Hussein (EGY); Triangle choke submission
Welterweight: Abdulla Al Bousheiri (KUW) beat Sofiane Oudina (ALG); Triangle choke Round-1
Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (UAE) beat Saleem Al Bakri (JOR); Unanimous decision
Bantamweight: Ali Taleb (IRQ) beat Nawras Abzakh (JOR); TKO round-2
Catchweight 63kg: Rany Saadeh (PAL) beat Abdel Ali Hariri (MAR); Unanimous decision
The specs
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo and dual electric motors
Power: 300hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 520Nm at 1,500-3,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.0L/100km
Price: from Dh199,900
On sale: now
Autumn international scores
Saturday, November 24
Italy 3-66 New Zealand
Scotland 14-9 Argentina
England 37-18 Australia
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20NOTHING%20PHONE%20(2A)
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Results
5pm: Warsan Lake – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m; Winner: Dhaw Al Reef, Sam Hitchcott (jockey), Abdallah Al Hammadi (trainer)
5.30pm: Al Quadra Lake – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Mrouwah Al Gharbia, Sando Paiva, Abubakar Daud
6pm: Hatta Lake – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: AF Yatroq, George Buckell, Ernst Oertel
6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Adries de Vries, Ibrahim Aseel
7pm: Abu Dhabi Championship – Listed (PA) Dh180,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Bahar Muscat, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm: Zakher Lake – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Alfareeq, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi.
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
FROM%20THE%20ASHES
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Khalid%20Fahad%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Shaima%20Al%20Tayeb%2C%20Wafa%20Muhamad%2C%20Hamss%20Bandar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
UAE'S%20YOUNG%20GUNS
%3Cp%3E1%20Esha%20Oza%2C%20age%2026%2C%2079%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E2%20Theertha%20Satish%2C%20age%2020%2C%2066%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E3%20Khushi%20Sharma%2C%20age%2021%2C%2065%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E4%20Kavisha%20Kumari%2C%20age%2021%2C%2079%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E5%20Heena%20Hotchandani%2C%20age%2023%2C%2016%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E6%20Rinitha%20Rajith%2C%20age%2018%2C%2034%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E7%20Samaira%20Dharnidharka%2C%20age%2017%2C%2053%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E8%20Vaishnave%20Mahesh%2C%20age%2017%2C%2068%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E9%20Lavanya%20Keny%2C%20age%2017%2C%2033%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E10%20Siya%20Gokhale%2C%20age%2018%2C%2033%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E11%20Indhuja%20Nandakumar%2C%20age%2018%2C%2046%20matches%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Stage results
1. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) Deceuninck-QuickStep 4:39:05
2. Michael Matthews (AUS) Team BikeExchange 0:00:08
3. Primoz Roglic (SLV) Jumbo-Visma same time
4. Jack Haig (AUS) Bahrain Victorious s.t
5. Wilco Kelderman (NED) Bora-Hansgrohe s.t
6. Tadej Pogacar (SLV) UAE Team Emirates s.t
7. David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ s.t
8. Sergio Higuita Garcia (COL) EF Education-Nippo s.t
9. Bauke Mollema (NED) Trek-Segafredo s.t
10. Geraint Thomas (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers s.t
BLACKBERRY
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Matt%20Johnson%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStars%3A%20Jay%20Baruchel%2C%20Glenn%20Howerton%2C%20Matt%20Johnson%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
McLaren GT specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed
Power: 620bhp
Torque: 630Nm
Price: Dh875,000
On sale: now
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
'Project Power'
Stars: Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dominique Fishback
Director: Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman
Rating: 3.5/5
Results
2pm: Handicap Dh 90,000 1,800m; Winner: Majestic Thunder, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
2.30pm: Handicap Dh120,000 1,950m; Winner: Just A Penny, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
3pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,600m; Winner: Native Appeal, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
3.30pm: Jebel Ali Classic Conditions Dh300,000 1,400m; Winner: Thegreatcollection, Adrie de Vries, Doug Watson.
4pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m; Winner: Oktalgano, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4.30pm: Conditions Dh250,000 1,400m; Winner: Madame Ellingtina, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
5pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m; Winner: Mystery Land, Fabrice Veron, Helal Al Alawi.
5.30pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,000m; Winner: Shanaghai City, Jesus Rosales, Rashed Bouresly.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
Teaching in coronavirus times
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
RedCrow Intelligence Company Profile
Started: 2016
Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel
Based: Ramallah, Palestine
Sector: Technology, Security
# of staff: 13
Investment: $745,000
Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now