Herculine Barbin (Being the Recently Discovered Memoirs of a Nineteenth Century French Hermaphrodite)

Herculine Barbin's story is embraced by people born neither male nor female, or a little of both but not exactly either. We aren't talking about gender in any way here. It is the biological truth that has been denied, hidden, lied about and continues to struggle just to speak its name. That name IS intersex and according to the U.N. definition it means anyone whose genitals/reproductive organs don't match the narrow characteristics of absolute male or female. Its impossible to count people terrorized into hiding or whose anatomy was turned from natural into surgical scars in early childhood but in the 21st century we're becoming harder to hide. Barbin's story is a tragedy. This book seeks to allow a person utterly silenced during life a chance to have the microphone for at least a little bit over 200 years after death. The project of editing, translating and transliterating where necessary makes accessible Barbin's struggles with the psychological hell that forced gender assignment began in the 1800's and continues to impose upon intersex people today

I recommend this wholeheartedly for understanding intersexuality or just if you love tragic romance. Foucault's commentary is helpful and enjoyable. Herculine is such a fabulous storyteller and her story is so heartbreakingly tragic but it grounds the concept of intersexuality into reality rather than most lore written about hermaphrodites which, as Foucault said, reduces intesexuality to myth. It is interesting to compare Herculine's memoirs to the story about the "scandal at the convent". Sadly the later is divergent from truth in rather sexist and misleading ways. For instance, the author rewrites Herculine as being far more stereotypically masculine than she was and writes her lover as far more stereotypically feminine than her memoirs describe Sara. The masculine stereotype is devilishly unappealing looks with a vast intellect and the feminine stereotype is physical perfection and eamptiheadedness. It is in some ways an enjoyably dynamic contrast, but cliché, though I'm sure some would think it more romantic that way. Some of the medical journals seemed a bit Freudian and Foucault talks about the misogynistic history of such literature, but they were interesting.

Sad and yet fascinating.

I loved this book despite the author. It made me see why Foucault is called by some a historian. It was eye opening. I have always been interested in this topic. Doubting Sex by Mak is another great one on this topic.

It is really precious to read this person's story - well worth it. Too bad there is a blurb somewhere saying that it is a steamy tale - no - it is very well told with no more details than necessary.

Poignant and eye-opening. Assigned for a class but would recommend to all.

Just a bit of bio. from the 19th century. Seems that nothing has changed now.

This was very well written by Ms Barbin herself. With every line I could feel her/his confusion and pain. Anyone interested ln this topic should read this book.

This book should be at the center of any educated discussion about sexual identity. The memoirs of this 19th century hermaphrodite, are as relevant as they are compelling; her case and the circumstances of her life as mesmerizing as any modern account of what it means to be "different" in our society.

Worthwhile read with lots of extra reading material included.

A really interesting read and plenty to pick apart and look at.

book is a bit dog-eared although new. not a good edition. but okay for the price i guess.