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Conundrum
Conundrum
Author: Jan Morris
FROM JAMES TO JAN_ James Morris was a distinquished author, a man who had scaled Mount Everest, a veteran of four years in a crack English army regiment, a husband and a father of five. But, from the age of three, James felt that he had been born into the wrong body, that he should have been, really was, a girl. At the age of 46, James underw...  more »
ISBN: 119071
Publication Date: 4/1974
Pages: 194
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1

4 stars, based on 1 rating
Publisher: New American Library
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

coolelle avatar reviewed Conundrum on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Misogyny in All Its Faces

Beautifully written and revelatory, not just for her day, but today as well. But Ms. Morris has such a dim view of women that you can't help but wonder why she would want to become one. Her stereotypical views of the roles that women are supposed to play in society, her prejudices against the "feminine" Manchester Guardian, and her shallow understanding of women's passions, both sexual and otherwise, are straight out of the fifties. She talks down to women, underestimates women, and seems determined to shove women into her misconceptions.

I rejoice that we live in a world where a person who feels they've been born into the wrong body can, relatively easily, change that body to match the way they feel inside. And society, for the most part, accepts the newly regendered person without judgment. But even more, I rejoice that we are gradually changing the world into a place where women can be accepted as equals, thought of as thinking, rational human beings, and permitted to take part in all aspects of society. I hope Ms. Morris can learn to accept such a world the way this world has accepted her.
ATraveler avatar reviewed Conundrum on + 193 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I found this a well written story. Morris' story was presented in a rational and clear manner -- I think even those that would find this topic of transexuality uncomfortable would be able to enjoy this writing. I was fasitnated not by the topic but by the literary presentation. The writing amazed me.
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reviewed Conundrum on + 25 more book reviews
From James to Jan-an extraordinary personal narrative of transsexualism. A singularly articulate & sensitive observer describes an experience made possible only recently through hormone treatments: the gradual sex change leading over a number of years to the final operation.
MPMP avatar reviewed Conundrum on + 30 more book reviews
Autobiography of author & foreign correspondent James Morris, married father of 5, who underwent a sex change operation and continued his successful literary career as Jan Morris. Published in 1974.


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