Hélène Cixous is more than an influential theorist. She is also a
groundbreaking author and playwright. Combining an idiosyncratic mix of
autobiographical and fictional narrative with a host of philosophical
and poetic observations, Cixous's writing matches the kaleidoscopic
nature of her thought, offering new ways of conceptualizing sex,
relationships, identity, and the self, among other topics.
Yet, as Jacques Derrida once observed, a "profound misunderstanding"
hangs over the accomplishments of Cixous, with many believing the
intellectual excelled only at theoretical exploration. Providing a truly
liberal selection of her writings from throughout her career, Marta
Segarra rediscovers Cixous's acts of invention for a new generation to
enjoy. Divided into thematic concerns, these works fully capture
Cixous's genius for merging fiction, theory, and the experience of
living. They discuss dreaming in the feminine, Algeria and Germany, love
and the other, the animal, Derrida, and the theater. They defy
classification, locking literature, philosophy, and psychoanalysis into
thrilling new patterns of engagement. Whether readers are familiar with
Cixous or are approaching her thought for the first time, all will find
fresh perspectives on gender, fiction, drama, philosophy, religion, and
the postcolonial.