Intelligence Squared Rachel Cusk on Art, Womanhood and Redefining Fiction, Part One
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Jun 14, 2024 Award-winning author Rachel Cusk joins literary director Adam Biles for a captivating discussion about her groundbreaking approach to fiction. They dive into her latest novel, Parade, and how it challenges traditional narratives surrounding identity and womanhood. Cusk reflects on the transformative journey of motherhood and its complexities in storytelling. The conversation also addresses the evolving voices in literature, especially in light of gender dynamics, and critiques the male-centric norms in the art world, driving home the importance of personal narratives in shaping artistic expression.
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The Challenge of Writing
- Writing should be the most difficult thing imaginable, otherwise it's repetitive.
- Cusk's difficulty stemmed from doubting language structures and the interplay between image and words.
Violence of Life Structures
- Cusk acknowledges the inherent violence in life structures like gender, parenthood, and marriage.
- She aims to use language to explore the morality of these violent experiences.
Early Writing and Formality
- Cusk reflects on her early writing as a 'long way' due to her young age and the perceived need to follow established norms.
- Starting later might have allowed a more direct approach, bypassing traditional formalities.
