Review of EVE
by Johny McFliggen, PhD Literature & Business, Oxford
In the grand tapestry of human evolution, Cat Bohannon's "EVE" unravels a thread that has been all too often overlooked: the narrative woven by the female body. This is not merely a book; it is a bold proclamation that dares to challenge the patriarchal bias deeply embedded in the annals of evolutionary biology. Bohannon, with her erudite flair, scrutinizes our evolutionary story through a lens that is as refreshing as it is overdue.
Bohannon's exploration spans a dizzying 200 million years, and she does so with the deft precision of an academic surgeon, cutting away at the old myths to reveal the sinews and ligaments of evolution that have been shaped by menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, and childbirth. She brings to mind the works of Sarah Blaffer Hrdy and Anne Fausto-Sterling, standing on their shoulders to reach even higher towards an understanding of how the female form has not just participated in, but driven, the evolutionary journey of our species.
One cannot help but draw parallels between Bohannon's narrative ambition and the cinematic grandeur of something like James Cameron's "Avatar." Both present a lush, intricate world that demands to be seen from a new perspective. However, where Cameron gives us Pandora, Bohannon gives us Earth—and not just Earth as seen through the eyes of men, but through the bodies of women. Her writing is as much an act of reclamation as creation, an exercise in rebalancing the scales that have tipped towards male-centric narratives for far too long.
It's not all roses and accolades, though. The critique that "EVE" occasionally sacrifices depth for breadth is not without merit. At times, one might wish Bohannon had wielded her scalpel with more restraint, offering a deeper dive into certain scientific aspects rather than a wide sweep across the evolutionary landscape. Yet, this might be a calculated risk, trading depth for accessibility in order to engage a wider audience—a gamble that those with an appetite for narrative-driven science will likely appreciate.
In true interdisciplinary fashion, Bohannon draws on her diverse academic background to create a narrative that is as accessible as it is intelligent. Her ability to distill complex scientific concepts into engaging prose is reminiscent of Carl Sagan's knack for making the cosmos feel within arm's reach—except here, the cosmos is the human form itself.
"EVE" may not yet have garnered significant awards or formal recognition, but its impact lies in its potential to spur discussion and revision within both evolutionary biology and gender studies. It serves as an invitation to reconsider long-held assumptions about human development, much like how "The Woman Who Never Evolved" challenged perceptions decades ago.
In sum, "EVE" is a clarion call for a new understanding of our past—one where the female body is not merely an afterthought but a protagonist in its own right. As we turn each page, we are reminded that our evolutionary tale is not just about survival of the fittest but survival of the most resilient, adaptable, and yes, sometimes female. If you are prepared to have your preconceived notions challenged and your understanding expanded, then Bohannon's "EVE" is an essential addition to your reading list.
Purchase Link: EVE on Amazon
