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Heather McCalden

The Observable Universe

The Observable Universe

Regular price £11.60 GBP
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The Observable Universe is a memoir that explores the loss of a woman's parents to AIDS and the parallels between the histories of AIDS and the internet. It combines an intensely personal search with a history of viral culture and an ode to Los Angeles.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2024
Publisher: Fitzcarraldo Editions


The Observable Universe is a captivating memoir that delves into the profound impact of loss on a woman's life, particularly in the context of the internet age. The author, Heather McCalden, lost her parents to AIDS when she was just a child, leaving her to navigate the complexities of grief and resilience. Growing up in Los Angeles during the 1990s, McCalden witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of the virus on her community. However, her personal journey is intertwined with a broader exploration of the parallels between the history of AIDS and the rise of the internet.

Through her meticulous research, McCalden uncovers surprising connections between these two phenomena. She questions the meaning of going viral in a world where both biological and virtual contagion are prevalent. At the same time, she delves into her own past, reconnecting with fragments of her family history and exploring the possibility of unknown parents.

The Observable Universe is a multi-faceted narrative that weaves together personal reflection, historical analysis, and cultural commentary. McCalden skillfully combines images, scientific theories, and personal anecdotes to create a rich and nuanced portrait of loss and its enduring impact. The book also offers a poignant ode to Los Angeles, a city that has been deeply shaped by the AIDS pandemic and the digital revolution.

Through her journey, McCalden invites readers to reflect on the complexities of identity, loss, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. The Observable Universe is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and connect us to our shared humanity.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 197 x 127 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804270141

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