An inspiring read. Susan Sontag would recognize the heroine, Carmel, as a “sister”
After reading Breaking Ground, Marie Corbett's novel about her protagonist Carmel’s relationship, over many years, with an idealized, long-distance lover, I came across a passage from Susan Sontag's book “Against Interpretation and Other Essays, about women liberating themselves.
Sontag’s words speak more intelligently than I could about the psyche of a woman. Carmel ‘s journey negotiating life and love in a man's world, unashamedly and proudly, while determining her own terms of engagement, takes us on the thrills, the ups and downs, a roller coaster ride of sexuality and passion with several lovers over time.
While carving out an education and career as a pioneering female lawyer, pushing against the boulder barriers of a male dominated system, Carmel uses her sharp intelligence and political acumen, her personal power, and determination to succeed propelling her to the top 20 of her graduating class of 450, one of 17 women admitted to the bar in the province of Ontario.
The passage from Sontag’s essay mostly pertains to aging, but also to a woman’s self-development and self-determination in general. “Women have another option... actively protesting and disobeying the conventions that stem from this society's double standard... They can aspire to be wise, not merely nice; to be competent, not merely helpful; to be ambitious for themselves, not merely for themselves in relation to men and children and enjoying the long, erotic career of which women are capable, far longer... Women should tell the truth”.
Marie Corbett tells it as it is, including the raw and uncompromising realities challenging her, the mistakes from which she learns and the confidence she gains in breaking new ground as a strong woman. This is a novel that should inspire other women to take up the options Susan Sontag proposes and that Carmel embodies in the early days of the women’s movement - an inspiring read. Susan Sontag would be proud to know her as a “sister”.
Jack Cunningham
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