Pathemata, Or, The Story of My Mouth
books by Maggie Nelson
Pathemata, Or, The Story of My Mouth, is an experiment in interiority written in the pandemic studio. Something of a companion piece to 2009’s Bluets, Pathemata merges a pain diary chronicling a decade of jaw pain with dreams and dailies, eventually blurring the lines between embodied, unconscious, and everyday life. In scrupulously distilled prose, Pathemata offers a tragicomic portrait of a particularly unnerving and isolating moment in recent history, as well as an abiding account of how it feels to inhabit a mortal body in struggle to connect with others. Formally inspired by Hervé Guibert’s The Mausoleum of Lovers, and conceptually guided by Gilles Deleuze’s notion of artist as symptomologist, Pathemata is yet another urgent innovation from Maggie Nelson in the art of life-writing. The book encourages readers to appreciate the journey rather than focus solely on the destination. By allowing events to unfold gradually, the narrative creates space for emotional engagement and thoughtful reflection. This approach helps readers connect more deeply with the characters and the situations they encounter, resulting in a more immersive experience. The book presents its ideas in a way that feels grounded and relatable. Even abstract concepts are connected to tangible experiences, making them easier to grasp. The writing reflects a thoughtful approach to storytelling, where each element serves a purpose. Scenes are constructed with intention, contributing to the larger narrative arc. This sense of design enhances cohesion.