The Fifth Wound

The Fifth Wound by Aurora Mattia, published by Nightboat Books in 2023, is a 261-page work that delves into the complexities of identity and experience. This book presents an intimate exploration of one woman’s interdimensional quest for beauty and embodiment, weaving together vivid scenes of hospital corridors, tumultuous relationships, and passionate romance. The narrative unfolds as a phantasmagorical roman à clef, blending elements of love, trauma, and visionary experiences.

Readers will find a rich tapestry of themes including magical realism and LGBTQ+ experiences, as the story navigates through multiple dimensions of existence. The Fifth Wound intertwines a love story between Aurora and Ezekiel with encounters of transphobic violence, creating a multifaceted narrative that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. With its intricate prose, the book invites readers to engage with the intimate aspects of embodiment, revealing both its challenges and joys.