A luminous collection of mind-expanding pieces on literary and philosophical themes’ Observer’Thoughtful and sensuous’Daily TelegraphThis illuminating collection brings together Siri Hustvedt’s earliest essays, exploring the themes that have preoccupied her writing throughout her career: memory and imagination, psychology and art, love and desire. Drawing on her personal experience – as daughter, sister, mother and wife; student, teacher, reader and writer – she illustrates fundamental aspects of our lives. Wise, honest and fiercely intelligent, this is a book that invites us to look afresh at ourselves and the world we inhabit.