When Writing About Your Children Is a Form of Betrayal
A new novel argues that telling one’s own story is necessary and meaningful, regardless of the consequences.
The Controversy Surrounding a Memoir
In 2009, Julie Myerson, an English author and critic, published The Lost Child, a memoir that revealed the intimate details of her teenage son's drug addiction and their subsequent estrangement. This book sparked a heated debate about Myerson's capabilities as a mother, with some arguing that she had violated her son's privacy and right to share his own story. Critics accused her of perpetuating the abuse her son endured during their troubled relationship and labeled the book 'a betrayal of motherhood itself.'
The Lost Child delves into the tumultuous teenage years of Myerson's son, Jake, during which he struggled with addiction to a potent strain of cannabis known as skunk. Myerson candidly recounts the terrifying episodes that made living with Jake a constant challenge, from him stealing his girlfriend's phone to forcing marijuana onto his younger brother. In one particularly distressing incident, Jake even inflicted physical harm on Myerson, causing a perforated eardrum. Ultimately, Myerson and her husband made the difficult decision to ask Jake, then 17, to leave their home. However, Jake later accused his mother of fabricating stories and regarded her actions as 'obscene.'
The Impact of Personal Experience
Julie Myerson's latest novel, Nonfiction, draws inspiration from her previous memoir. The protagonist, much like Myerson herself, is a writer who finds herself emotionally drained from raising a teenager grappling with drug addiction. After the protagonist and her husband ask their daughter to move out, they endure months of agonizing silence, uncertain whether she is even alive. The occasional encounters they have with their daughter are filled with frustration during unproductive family therapy sessions or fleeting visits when she begs for money.
Nonfiction highlights the profound impact that personal experience can have on an individual's creative work. By exploring the parallels between her own life and her character's struggles, Myerson emphasizes the necessity and significance of telling one's own story, despite the potential consequences. The novel delves into the complexities of parenting, addiction, and the emotional toll it takes on families.
Support Independent Journalism
By purchasing books through the links on this page, you are supporting independent journalism. The Atlantic receives a commission from these purchases, which goes towards ensuring the longevity and quality of their reporting. Your support plays a vital role in the future of unbiased and impactful journalism.
To read more about the compelling story discussed in this article, sign in or start a free trial. Don't miss out on the thought-provoking content that The Atlantic has to offer!
