Jacqueline Harpman, the writer who made gender a literary problem, reemerges as a TikTok phenomenon
‘Orlanda,’ the novel that inverts Virginia Woolf’s ‘Orlando’ and won the Belgian writer the Médicis in 1996, is being reissued in Spanish
Jacqueline Harpman, a writer renowned for her exploration of gender identity and sexual freedom, has recently resurfaced as a TikTok sensation. Her novel, "I Who Have Never Known Men," has enjoyed a surge in popularity due to social media platforms, particularly BookTok and TikTok. The book has sold over 800,000 copies in North America and more than 45,000 copies in the UK since its reissue in 2019.
The resurgence of interest in Harpman's works is tied to contemporary issues such as sexual freedom, reproductive rights, and gender problems. Her novel "Orlanda," which won the prestigious Médicis Prize in 1996, delves into themes of gender identity and androgyny, presenting a fresh perspective on the subject. Despite its initial lack of success, the book has gained traction through word of mouth and the endorsement of figures like Dua Lipa.
Harpman's life experiences, including her escape from Nazi-occupied France and her background in psychoanalysis, have shaped her writing. Her novels often delve into existential questions and identity formation, using unique narrative structures to engage readers. Her works continue to resonate with a generation seeking answers to the complexities of modern life.
Written by urgent.news from El Pais English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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