Eye of a Rook

by Josephine Taylor

In 1860s London, Arthur sees his wife, Emily, suddenly struck down by a pain for which she can find no words, forced to endure harmful treatments, and reliant on him for guidance. Meanwhile, in contemporary Perth, Alice, a writer, and her older husband, Duncan, find their marriage threatened as Alice investigates the history of hysteria, female sexuality, and the treatment of the female body—her own and the bodies of those who came before.

Genres: Contemporary

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2021

Reviews

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

Eye of a Rook by Perth based writer Josephine Taylor is a tough but integral read. Fusing a contemporary fiction narrative with a Victorian England based storyline has allowed this dual timeline novel to deliver a vital message. With an important focus on women’s health, gynecological misconceptions and invisibility in the field of chronic pain, Eye of a Rook is a much-needed composition.

In Eye of a Rook, we take a trip to Victorian London where me meet the Rochdales. Arthur and Emily are a married couple and Emily is struggling with a bout of chronic unexplained pain. Arthur reaches out to a physician who prescribes a rather shocking form of treatment. This radical form of treatment is issued to ease Emily’s hysteria, which is seen as the cause of this woman’s pain. Centuries later we are acquainted with Alice, a writer and respected academic is suffering in silence, struck down a mystery source of pain that she cannot find a cure for. Despite the advances in medical technology, it seems little has changed in the treatment of women’s health issues. The pressure of this undiagnosed illness impacts Alice’s life and marriage, which will alter the course of her future plans.

I admired the intent of Eye of a Rook. Josephine Taylor’s novel tackles a subject matter that is virtually unheard of and sadly lacking in terms of treatment or support. This book is an utterly devastating read that I found challenging, depressing, irritating and profound. It is a distinctive and critical piece of literature. I hope that Eye of a Rook will be distributed in a widespread manner, to be embraced by all readers – no matter their age or gender. It has a very sensitive but fundamental message to impart.

The format of Eye of a Rook is in the style of a past and present flip narrative. We are privy to the innermost thoughts and experiences of a woman living in present day times. This is exchanged with the life experiences of Emily, a woman living in Victorian times. We discover more about Emily’s life via her husband’s viewpoint of her experiences, along with letters voiced by Emily. Although the two time periods are vastly contrasted, the issues seem to be the same. It saddened me to witness such an unacceptable form of treatment given to a woman with gynecological based problems in the 1800s and again see this arise in the present. This may not come as a shock to some, but it did upset me, especially as some of these issues hit very close to home for me medically. Reading Eye of a Rook gave the me the sense of acceptance, belonging and understanding I needed in this women’s health department.

I will send a short warning to others that Eye of a Rook is a well written and highly educative read, but it may trigger some difficult feelings for some readers in terms of the medical sequences. I urge you to read the Author’s Note and Acknowledgments at the close of the book, they each provide some additional input into this challenging but honest read. It was brave of the author to present her own experiences of chronic gynecological pain in the form of an honest fictional narrative.

*Please note that a free copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes through Beauty & Lace and Fremantle Press Australia.

Eye of a Rook is book #23 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge

[Lee Kofman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a remarkable novel. It explores with nuance and depth how profoundly chronic pain – vulvodynia in this instance – can reshape a person’s life, particularly when the suffering is invisible and bound with social shame. What particularly stayed with me is the visceral quality of Josephine’s prose. Josephine doesn’t write about the body, but writes from the rawness of the flesh itself with words that breathe, ache, pulsate. Her language echoes the many faces pain, as well as desire, can assume. Her bold linguistic choices, especially where suffering is concerned, render the experiences of her characters so specific and palpable that I literally kept squirming and fidgeting as I read this book.

[Holden Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly-written novel that unflinchingly tackles taboos around sex, chronic pain and vulvodynia. The well-woven contrast of the dual narratives shines a light on what has and hasn't changed throughout the decades regarding the way medical institutions view female patients. Taylor's literary command of language is masterful.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An investigative fictional memoir that looks at how women's conditions are understood through history, the author Josephine Taylor suffers from the condition that is central to this novel - Vulvadinia, chronic pain in the female genitalia.

It's taken me six months to pick up this novel after meeting Josephine at a writers event. The thought of reading about chronic pain AND the tragedy of how men have viewed women's medical conditions through history was a bit too much.

And then, I did pick it up. Based on deep research for her PhD thesis, the author has presented two timelines. A fictional woman experiencing Vulvadinia in 2007-2010 and a man in Victorian England whose wife has Vulvadinia. And era when men 'had to protect women from themselves'. The era that explained things away as 'hysteria' or 'weakness'.

The tragedy of course is that not much has changed. We laughingly say that if men got pregnant the whole thing would be quick and painless by now. This story will have you angry at how little progress we've made in this area.

Towards the end the story becomes very meta in a wonderful way as the two timelines start to connect.

The author said 'as I wrote I got more agency' that the creativity of writing shifted her body and the brain and has helped her cope with her condition.

Asked if she wished she didn't have this, Josephine said "I wish I didn't have the pain; [but] I love where it has got me" (her career from psychotherapist to writer & educator & editor).

[Kirsty Mugridge]

Thanks Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read Eye of a Rook by Josephine Taylor.
I found this book was a challenge to read. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it, or find that the content was incredibly important, I just found the jumping around of timelines- particularly the historical sections- to be jarring and somewhat hard to follow. There are still sections I’m unsure of the relevance to the rest of the storyline, which in turn took away from my overall enjoyment.
Taylor delves into issues I hadn’t previously come across in novels, particularly around vulvodynia and the associated (and varied forms of) pain, treatment and impacts. Women’s health in general is something so rarely captured within a fictional story, but they remain stories that are so important to share. For that in itself I applaud Taylor and thank her for taking on that challenge. It has certainly made me much more aware and I would hope any other readers would take on the same challenge I have now given myself to continue to learn and read more about these important and very real topics.

[Jodie How · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fantastic story that is finely crafted and well executed. Taylor’s depictions of body-mind-heart struggles as they intertwine and relate to illness are always accurate and yet always original.

Difficult to read at times, if you’re a sufferer of pain and / or chronic illness, but also validating for any reader who has experienced such huge difficulties.

I felt seen as I was reading this story. Represented. Thank you, Jo.

[Megan Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing novel, such breathtaking detail of chronic pain. Josephine Taylor gives voice to the experience of women who have long been silenced.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josephine has written something beautiful and relevant with Eye of a Rook, it explores chronic pain in a way that is both bold and delicate as well as looking at how it can affect all facets of life. The unexplained and persistent vulval pain that Alice experiences extends beyond the pages to create something visceral and have the reader invested in her fate. And aside from the importance of the issues of chronic pain and female experience in the medical system (in the past and in present day) the story is just really interesting! The writing is fresh and the characters are believable. I can't wait to read it again!

[Rania T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historically, women's medical conditions have been recorded, interpreted or written by men. Josephine Taylor takes a hidden debilitating condition that can affect as much as 16 per cent of women and merges the story of a woman in Victorian England with one of a woman in mid-2000s Australia and shows readers that even though there have been advances in medicine, there still remains in some respect a negative attitude towards women and the autonomy they have over their bodies.

[Underground Writers]

This review was first published on the Underground Writers website: http://underground-writers.org/review...

Josephine Taylor’s debut novel Eye of a Rook is a gripping read that handles issues concerning women’s bodies with compassion and honesty. Set in both modern-day Perth and 1860s London, Taylor’s novel follows the plight of two women—Alice and Emily—separated by time but connected by the pain of vulvodynia.

Eye of a Rook commences from Alice’s perspective in contemporary Perth as she battles an agonising pain. From the first line, ‘It hurts,’ I was hooked. As a reader, the pain Alice felt feels real to me. Although some might consider the details of the pain hyperbolic, the truth lies in the details. How the pain impacts Alice’s personal and professional life, and the lengths Alice goes to find any relief is both gripping and distressing to read.

The shift to 1860s London was not surprising, but the perspective shift to Emily’s husband, Arthur, was a shock! Instead of gradually shifting to Emily’s perspective, her voice is only heard through letters scattered throughout the book. As I read, I wondered why Taylor would tell a story concerning pain felt by women through a male perspective. But then, I realised how clever it was to use Arthur’s perspective. Men—as is shown in the book—cannot comprehend the pain, but Arthur, in a departure from the norm of attitudes in the 1860s, attempts to understand his wife. While Arthur believes the pain that Emily feels is real, his marriage starts to feel the strain when doctors diagnose Emily as ‘hysterical.’ Taylor weaves modern and past medical terminology into the piece, and as the reader you start to understand why such terms are no longer used. For instance, ‘hysteria’ is derived from the Greek word for womb; it is a gendered word placed onto women and nowadays it is considered an undermining and dismissive word.

One of the fascinating aspects of Taylor’s novel is her research into past procedures and experiences of women. As shown in the historical storyline, the women are silenced, her fate is decided for her, and she is labelled as ‘dirty’ and ‘hysterical.’ The medical journal details of how a woman is ‘treated’ for hysteria sent shivers down my spine. The cold and calculating manner women were treated—despite their recorded pleas for mercy—is horrific. Taylor does not overwork the medical journal information, but what detail is given is hard to forget.

In comparison to the 1860s storyline, in the modern storyline the women have more control; despite the pushback from medical professionals and people in their lives, Alice and several other women (who also battle vulvodynia) are able to assert their need to explore and battle the pain. In comparison to the past, the women are not seen as dirty; however, the disbelief that women receive from medical practitioners is still an ongoing issue. Alice details the scepticism she receives from doctors and her husband. Reading Alice’s struggles with her inability to sit in a car properly or relax and enjoy a meal is disturbing, but to read Alice’s struggles alongside the disbelief levelled against her is infuriating.

Taylor delves into issues surrounding vulvodynia: pain, treatment, sex, and the impact the condition has on work, everyday living, and relationships. Eye of a Rook directly battles and describes pain and experience most would brush over. The two storylines joined by the mutual pain Alice and Emily experience is a beautiful, gripping, and unforgettable read.

[Rashida Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Waves, Virginia Woolf writes: “But for pain words are lacking. There should be cries, cracks, fissures, whiteness passing over chintz covers, interference with the sense of time, of space…”
Josephine Taylor’s debut novel, Eye of a Rook, is acutely attentive to those cracks and fissures through which the bodies of women in pain may fall. In a narrative that swings between Victorian England and contemporary Perth, the novel’s protagonist, Alice Tennant, considers what it means to experience pain for which there appears to be no cure or relief. Alternately denying and accepting her condition, Alice succumbs to a mysterious pain that not only limits her relationship with her husband Duncan but also affects her ability to do basic things she previously took for granted, such as sitting, eating, and working. As her marriage unravels, Alice finds comfort among other women in similar situations and goes on to encounter a book by the physician Isaac Baker Brown, an actual historical figure in Victorian London. Baker Brown classified women in pain as ‘hysterics’ and prescribed a treatment so terrifying that Alice is driven to new and creative reckonings with her own dilemma. The voice of Emily Rochford, one of his patients, speaks to Alice across the divide of time and place, and in becoming immersed in Emily’s story, Alice tries to make sense of her own. Eye of a Rook centres the voices of women in extreme pain in a compelling, intelligent, lyrical and distinctly feminist narrative.
(This review first appeared in the reviews section of WritingWA)

[Jodie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye of a Rook is a cerebral treatment of a taboo topic: vulval, urethral and vaginal pain that falls under the description of Vulvadynia.

Prior to this book I wasn't aware of the disorder. The world at large is only beginning to freely discuss women's pain, and pelvic pain in particular.

The story emerges out of two eras - the modern and 'enlightened' juxtaposed with the emerging medical sciences of the mid-1800s, in particular, the experimental practices of one particular surgeon, Isaac Baker Brown. Characters are nuanced and sensitively drawn, giving them and their relationships plenty of space to breathe. Through their unfolding stories we learn that medical science is still confounded by the nature of women's pain, seeking to eradicate it without understanding it. The modern story of Alice and Duncan highlights the impact of chronic pain on conjugal relationships, and combined with the retrospective story of Emily and Arthur, shows how women have always had the capacity to heal and comfort each other.

It wasn't an easy read, but definitely was a worthwhile read, especially in this era of 'own voices' and giving air time to minority stories - at last! As a memoir writer myself I am curious about 'the story behind the story'. I can't help wondering if other sufferers of Vulvadynia would feel validated reading a down-to-earth, first-hand account of living with the condition? I'm sure Josephine Taylor's fine writing would be welcomed in that space.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of two women living in two seperate centuries in time. Emily is from 1860s London and Alice is from modern day Perth. The narrative alternates between each woman's life and the connection they have to each other through generations apart. They both suffer from agonising, chronic and unexplained gynaecological pain called vulvodynia. We see them both try to manage their pain, diagnosis and marriages as best as they can.

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. I was captivated right from the very first page by the graceful and meticulous writing style to the fabulous array of characters, the descriptive narrative and imagery and the fascinating and heartbreaking storyline. Women's health is such an important topic that everyone should read this book.

The elegant cover design added to the essence of the beautiful story.

Thank you @fremantlepress @jtaylorauthor for the copy to review.

[Carmelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chronic vulval pain is not an easy subject to tackle in fiction yet Josephine Taylor has done it superbly. The book tells the story of two women suffering from vulva pain. One in Victorian England and one in our time in Perth, Australia.
The Victorian story is told through letters of the sufferer, Emily to her sister-in-law Bea and Emily's husband, Arthur. There are three main characters in this portion of the story but although we never actually hear from Bea herself she is well drawn out through Emily's letters to her.
Alice is the modern character and as you read her struggle with this terrible pain, in some respects it seems not much has changed in our treatment of those who suffer chronic vulva pain. It impacts all aspects of Alice's life. Her sex life, her work life, friendships and marriage.
It is a great story but more importantly it may help us understand a friend, family member etc who may have the misfortune to be a sufferer.

[Sarah Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is challenging, satisfying, confronting, and all round a fabulous read.

The time slip between Victorian England and modern day Perth sets the scene for two experiences of the same physical and mental pain. The pain would normally be described as 'indescribable', but described it is in a way the I really felt it.

The main characters are easy to relate to and their reactions to the pain dilemma are both understandable and not. I don't think anyone understands this kind of physical and mental pain which are totally symbiotic unless something similar has happened. This book goes a long way to exploring and explaining the experience and consequence of chronic pain.

Despite the pain,this is ultimately a book of joy, self discovery, resilience, and joy in the small pleasures in life.

I love it 😁

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dual timeline novel I read over the weekend by Australian author Josephine Taylor. One of the most heart carving books I have encountered in a long time. I was tremendously moved by what I read and understood deeply the force behind the author’s writing and that of her characters. The language is pure poetry forged in pain & strength.

It is not an easy topic (women's health) but many women suffer in silence and are badly misunderstood by those in the medical fields and even by friends and family. Sadly for those suffering in extreme pain-- physically, spiritually and mentally-- the challenges are monumental as they try to make sense of it all-- let alone convey the emotional upheaval to others--even those closest to them. The isolation sends a person to a strange head space sometimes. This novel hits all angles and helps us see how these women try to reconstruct their lives as pain defines and redesigns their present and future.

I must add: this story does not end in despair. Change, yes. But not despair. For like a bird ready to soar, hope is on the horizon.

A powerful daring read. Highly recommend. A 5 star masterpiece of Literary fiction.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye of a Rook is the debut novel from Western Australian writer and academic, Josephine Taylor. Based on her own experiences of gynaecological pain, it is the story of Western Australian writer and academic, Alice Tennant, who explores the history of hysteria to try to make sense of her own pain for which no treatment is helping. A dual narrative, the second timeline is set in Victorian London where Arthur Rochdale seeks the aid of (the real) Isaac Baker Brown to see if his treatment for hysteria will help his wife Emily who has been experiencing a mysterious pain. They say ‘write what you know’ and Taylor has done this brilliantly, shining a light on the little discussed condition vulvodynia and it’s impact on women and their families.

[Cj Reads Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I want to express that everyone woman, whether it be yourself, your mother, your daughter, your aunt, sister or grandmother or friend should see a doctor if at all they have any pain in their privates.

This book was a completely different book to what I normally would read. I felt it was inbetween a fiction and non fiction book. Only because Vulvodynia is a real serious condition.

I like that there are two separate eras that the book included. One back in the 1800s and one in the 2000s. Showing that the medical side hasnt changed much. I hope as this book promotes this condition more doctors, females and males learn about this condition. Spread the word so to speak.
I look forward to see what Josephine has next in line for us, this was such a great debut novel.

[Annette Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! Challenging subject delivered with sensitivity and honesty. Well developed, believable characters and beautiful descriptions of locations. It brought home the reality of the pain and suffering caused by this condition. I read it in one sitting, then gave it to my husband and now he's engrossed in it. I think it's such an important book that I have bought several copies to give away to family, friends and my GP. Don't miss it!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good topic which gives insight to suffering some women experience. I just found the way it was written between the 2 times was confusing. It flowed a lot better towards the end but I did have to skip past some of it.

[Val · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book did nothing for me other than finding out that this condition exists. Really struggled with the book despite it being short as felt it didn’t go anywhere. It is disjointed and repetitive. Wouldn’t recommend.

[Adele]

Fascinating, powerful, important book.

[Karen Herbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A difficult topic sensitively handled. Beautiful, beautiful writing.

[Dianne Wolfer]

I really enjoyed this powerful and insightful story

[Ishmael Soledad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, intense and challenging, Taylor successfully blends two fictional threads into a cohesive, enthralling work. A must read.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much needed book about women’s health and women’s pain. A great story, well researched with endearing characters. A bit heavy on the bird metaphors.

[Karen Chau · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good start on novelising the experience of pain, and it does capture to a degree the trauma that physical pain can cause.

I don’t think the structure/form of the narrative here was actually the best to use for the subject matter, and it felt particularly anti-climactic finding out the connection between the characters. I don’t generally have a problem with a time jumping plot either, but here it felt like it might have tried to do too much.

This final point is about form, not substance so it’s not too consequential - but the use of a serif font for the parts of the novel set in the 19th century and a sans serif font for the parts set in the modern day just felt a bit gimmicky, and really wasn’t that necessary to drive the book.

[Juliana McGrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story about mysterious women pains, hysteria and the effect of this on the self and marriage.

[Zoe Deleuil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the vivid settings, the beautiful sentences, the clever weaving of two storylines in present day Perth and 1860s London, the curiosity and quiet strength of the characters & the unexpected, lovely twist at the end. One of those books that stays with you.