The question posed within the pages of this compelling new book immediately grabs your attention: “It would be wrong to use her knowledge of the situation and her skills to intervene. It would be wrong, given her knowledge of the danger this woman faced, not to use her skills to intervene.” This sets the stage for a narrative deeply entrenched in the moral complexities faced by a family doctor thrust into harrowing circumstances. Is intervention a roll of the dice, or is it the inescapable role of conscience for a dedicated family doctor?
This powerful story centers around Paula, a family doctor grappling with the recent, devastating loss of her close friend to domestic violence. The book’s premise, revealed in advance publicity, serves as a stark trigger warning, signaling the intense and emotionally charged journey ahead. Paula, along with her friend Anita, shared a lifetime bond with Stacey, the friend lost to unspeakable violence at the hands of her husband. The tragedy is compounded by the fact that Stacey and her children were living with Paula, seeking refuge from the abuser, and it was Paula who tragically discovered the aftermath.
The weight of grief and trauma is palpable as Paula and Anita navigate the “what-ifs” and “if-onlys” that haunt those left behind. Could they have prevented Stacey’s murder? The question becomes a heavy burden, especially for Paula, a family doctor accustomed to healing and helping. Anita, while equally heartbroken, benefits from a large, supportive family and a degree of distance from the immediate horror, allowing her to process the loss in a different way. Her support system and a budding new relationship offer solace, contrasts sharply with Paula’s descent into despair.
The narrative takes a sharp turn when Paula encounters a young patient with tonsillitis. During the consultation, she notices the mother’s scarf concealing bruises, unmistakable signs of abuse. For Paula, the family doctor, this is no longer an abstract issue or a distant case. Her personal trauma, triggered by the echoes of Stacey’s fate, shatters any professional detachment she once maintained. She can no longer simply observe; her conscience as a family doctor compels her to act.
In a pivotal moment, Paula invites the young boy to the waiting room play area, creating a private space to address the mother directly.
“‘Can you tell me what happened?’ Paula asked. ‘Who did this?’
Rochelle answered with surprising bluntness. ‘My husband. But it’s the first time in a while.’ This woman was a veteran.
Taking her cue from Rochelle, Paula jumped straight to the direct questions. ‘Did you black out when he strangled you? Did you lose consciousness?’
‘Not this time. He said he didn’t want to actually kill me this time.’
‘But he wanted to demonstrate that he could kill you if he chose to?’
‘Bingo,’ Rochelle answered, with a small mordant smile. ‘You’ve met my husband, have you?’”
This raw exchange highlights the grim reality of domestic violence and Paula’s immediate, instinctual response as both a family doctor and a deeply affected individual. Her “trigger” is not a false alarm but a stark reminder of the lives at stake. Knowing the abusive husband’s age and health condition offers a grim hope – a hope that he might succumb to his own ailments before causing further devastation. However, this offers little comfort in the immediate present, as Paula is haunted by the ghosts of Stacey and her children.
The narrative expertly contrasts Paula’s internal turmoil with Anita’s different coping mechanisms. While Anita grieves, she also finds avenues for healing and new beginnings. Paula, on the other hand, is consumed by flashbacks and insomnia, her world shrinking under the weight of unresolved trauma. As a family doctor, her profession is built on helping others, yet she feels utterly helpless in the face of her own pain and the pervasive issue of domestic violence.
The book masterfully portrays the profound impact of trauma, particularly on someone in a caring profession like a family doctor. While many may not have experienced such extreme trauma, the book’s exploration of triggers and their power to evoke vivid and disturbing memories resonates deeply. It offers a glimpse into the agonizing reality of PTSD and its far-reaching effects.
Ultimately, this book is more than just a thriller; it’s a powerful exploration of a family doctor’s ethical and emotional boundaries when confronted with domestic violence, grief, and the overwhelming responsibility to intervene. It’s a terrific read, perfectly suited for book clubs seeking thought-provoking and emotionally resonant narratives. Highly recommended.
