Description
Book SynopsisThis book explores the formative role of mobilities in the production of our close relationships, proposing that the tracks—both literal and figurative— we lay down in the process play a crucial role in generating and sustaining intimacy. Working with diaries, journals and literary texts from the mid- to late-twentieth century, the book pursues this thesis through three phases of the lifecourse: courtship (broadly defined), the middle years of long-term relationships and bereavement. Building upon the author’s recent research on automobility, the text’s case studies reveal the crucial role played by many different types of transport—including walking—in defining our most enduring relationships. Conceptually, the book draws upon the writings of the philosopher, Henri Bergson, the anthropologist, Tim Ingold and the geographer, David Seamon, engaging with topical debates in cultural and emotional geography (especially work on landscape, memory and mourning), mobilities studies and critical love studies.
Table of Contents1 Introduction - The Mobilities of Intimacy - Conceptual Framework - Conclusion
2 Theorising Mobility, Movement, Memory—and Love- Mobile Lives: Approaches to Interpersonal Relationships in Mobilities Scholarship - The Mobilities of Love and Loss - Methodology: Mapping, Movement and Memory - Conclusion
3 “Walking Out”: The Mobilities of Courtship
- Being Transported: Movement, Autonomy, Love- Case Study: Walking Out in Wartime - Reflection - Conclusion
4 Staying With/in: The Mobilities of Long-Term Relationships
- Staying With/in: Moving around the House with May Sarton - Case Study: Nella Last’s Post-War Diaries - Reflection - Conclusion
5 Pilgrimage: The Mobilities of Mourning
- The Public Highways of Loss - The Im/mobilities of Grief- Case Study: Manchester Irish Writers’ Group Anthologies (1997–2004) - Conclusion
6 Afterword: Twenty-First-Century Perspectives
