Happening by Annie Ernaux

This book was written by Annie Ernaux. The original title of the book is “L'Événement”. Annie Ernaux worked with the narrative method she defined as “auto-socio-biography”. 

Annie Ernaux was born in 1940 in France. In her works, she often addresses her personal experiences. Ernaux's narrative in “Happening” uses simple and convincing language.

Minimal vocabulary but a powerful impact. Every word seems carefully chosen, allowing the reader to feel the true emotional depth of the event. Ernaux not only deals with aspects of her private life but also sheds light on the social atmosphere of the time. She connects her own memories with France's history, which is overshadowed by the Algerian war. The central character of the events is the author herself, who carefully explores her own life and inner world during the events. The rich emotions and inner conflicts of the characters have a deep impact on the reader. The book is short but deeply impressive. A book that will make everyone who reads think and impress. 

Anne reflected the characters very realistically in the book. She created a bridge. This bridge is between individual life and social life. After reading the book, you already find yourself trying to bridge what you feel. She reflected the life of the warrior heroine in life to the readers in a very beautiful way. I think she created an excellent work by using only the word abortion. She used a few words, but these words have a lot of meaning. It makes you think a lot and hurts you deeply while reading. The words are striking and the feelings are completely naked. When you read, you feel like the character in the book and you can't stop it. Although the book is very short, it is a bit challenging to read. Although it bothers the readers, you admire the courage of the character. A book about the torture of women in the period when abortion was not legal in France. The book is too short. You can easily read it in one day. I strongly recommend that you read both this and other works of Annie Ernaux.

And I want to share my favorite quotes from the book.

“In my student bathroom, I had given birth to both life and death.” Annie Ernaux, Happening

“There were the other girls, with their empty bellies, and there was me.” Annie Ernaux, Happening