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In Defence Of The Act by Effie Black
4.0
challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
This was a secondhand find that I recognised from the Women’s Prize longlist and nabbed for a few quid in Oxfam. It ended up surprising me - for a book about suicide it’s often funny, but of course often devastating. Jess’s head is not the easiest place to be, but a lot of her thinking mirrors mine in the way she frantically runs through scenarios and what-ifs, and I found it oddly comforting.
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Jess is a scientist, studying cases of suicide in nature and trying to apply the principals of it sometimes being the ‘right’ thing to do to human beings. She recounts her own experiences with suicide - more than anyone should ever have to deal with (i.e. more than none). For instance, a friend of hers who was actually a predator, along with her father’s attempt when she was a child - who then went on to emotionally abuse his children and wife. It’s definitely controversial, and if you’re struggling with any kind of suicidal thoughts/ideation, go easy or avoid altogether.
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I have seen a few reviews which are unhappy with the ending because of the switcheroo regarding Jess’s desire for children, and that is so valid. I, as a childfree lesbian myself, honestly did not mind it! When reading I always try and keep in mind that no book is ever representative of a whole group’s experience - it simply cannot be. Jess wanting kids doesn’t mean every childless woman will change her mind. This is just one story, exploring one woman’s journey and choices and experiences that led her to where she is at the end of the book. I have no issue with that, I only take issue with folks who would take Jess’s *individual* arc and apply it to all childfree women to say ‘see, you will change your mind’.
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Overall, a brave book which challenges a lot of taboo subjects that is warmly and wittily written. Will definitely pick up whatever Effie Black writes next!