A review by inkedverses
Happening by Annie Ernaux

dark reflective tense fast-paced

4.0

"Maybe the true purpose of my life is for my body, my sensations and my thoughts to become writing, in other words, something intelligible and universal, causing my existence to merge into the lives and heads of other people."

Annie Ernaux's Happening is a searingly honest and unflinching memoir that strips bare the societal hypocrisy surrounding abortion. Set in 1960s France, where the procedure was illegal and shrouded in secrecy, Ernaux recounts her own terrifying experience with an unwanted pregnancy.

Ernaux's prose is stark and simplistic, devoid of sentimentality. She meticulously details the physical and emotional torment of her situation: the gnawing fear, the desperate search for illegal abortionists, the physical pain, and the profound sense of isolation and shame. The narrative's power lies in its unflinching honesty, refusing to shy away from the graphic realities of her experience. This book goes beyond the personal and becomes a universal exploration of female experience, of the control and agency women are denied over their own bodies. Ernaux's portrayal of her struggle resonates deeply, reminding us of the devastating consequences of restricted reproductive rights and the ongoing fight for bodily autonomy.

Reading Happening is like being struck by reality on the face. Its unflinching exploration of a deeply personal and socially taboo subject left me feeling disturbed and horrified. Ernaux's masterful prose further intensifies these feelings, ensuring that this intimate account of female experience will resonate with readers, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Happening serves as a chilling reminder of a time when women were forced into dangerous and illegal procedures, often risking their own lives. It's a testament to the strength and resilience of women facing impossible odds, and a powerful call to action for those fighting for reproductive freedom.