Abstract
Psychoanalytic Geographies provides an excellent demonstration of what psychoanalytic and geographical enquiry can bring to each other. The book begins by using Rome as an analogy for memory. It discusses how landscapes of memory and history are embodied in physical landscapes, and it illustrates how psychoanalytic thought is used throughout the book to illuminate the complex nature of spaces and to highlight their ambiguous and contested aspects. The introduction promises that it ‘clearly illustrates the sheer variety of ways that psychoanalytic concepts and styles of thought are used to open up new questions, new objects of study and new forms of understanding: an understanding that is both psychoanalytic and geographical’ (p. 32). Indeed, thanks to its many stimulating contributions, the book succeeds in broadening the possibilities for the future collaboration of psychoanalytic and geographical thought. The book discusses an impressive array of topics including the psychoanalytic setting, the mapping of trauma, how psychoanalytic thought can inform our understanding of film and the variety of spaces film can represent, childhood sexuality, the libidinal economy, violence and creativity in a Mexican city, what it means for young women to get drunk and the ‘inherently spatial’ approach of R.D. Laing, among other interesting contributions.
Psychoanalytic Geographies draws you in and opens up a vast space of opportunity, tempting geographers to take up the challenge of deeply engaging with psychoanalytic thought across a variety of themes. It is a call to arms to continue exploring the links between psychoanalysis and geography, suggesting that ‘the possibilities of psychoanalytic geographies still eclipse its accomplishments’ (p. 32). Of particular interest to me were the discussions of how geography has informed psychoanalytic practice. Psychoanalytic Geographies therefore is not only concerned with what psychoanalytic thought can add to geography but also with what geographical thought can add to psychoanalysis. This collection is both engaging and inspiring. It preserves the messy nature of spaces and reminds the reader of the importance of this at every turn. The collection is a thoughtful and thought provoking adventure into new terrain. It considers the work of the giants of psychoanalysis, treats their work faithfully and opens up new possibilities for inquiry. I highly recommend this collection to anyone wanting to engage more deeply with psychoanalysis and its relationship to Geography.