“Emotions, in my experience, aren't covered by single words. I don't believe in "sadness," "joy," or "regret." Maybe the best proof that the language is patriarchal is that it oversimplifies feeling. I'd like to have at my disposal complicated hybrid emotions, Germanic train-car constructions like, say, "the happiness that attends disaster." Or: "the disappointment of sleeping with one's fantasy." I'd like to show how "intimations of mortality brought on by aging family members" connects with "the hatred of mirrors that begins in middle age." I'd like to have a word for "the sadness inspired by failing restaurants" as well as for "the excitement of getting a room with a minibar." I've never had the right words to describe my life, and now that I've entered my story, I need them more than ever.”
Quote by Jeffrey Eugenides
Work
Middlesex is a novel that delves into the intricate tapestry of identity and heritage, following the life of a character who is born intersex and navigates a world that does not fully understand their identity. The story spans generations and cultures, offering a rich exploration of the human experience and the search for belonging. more
Author
Jeffrey Eugenides is an American novelist known for his unique narrative style and profound portrayal of complex family relationships. His works often explore identity, genetics, and human emotions. more
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