Happening: A Haunting and Powerful Memoir of a Woman's Struggle for Choice

Experience the Raw Reality of a Banned Procedure

In Happening, Annie Ernaux embarks on a courageous literary journey, delving into the deeply personal and traumatic experience of an illegal abortion she underwent in 1960s France. The year is 1963, and Annie, a young literature student, finds herself pregnant while unmarried. Faced with the shame and social stigma associated with pregnancy outside of marriage, she desperately seeks an abortion.

Ernaux's unflinching prose transports readers to a bygone era, capturing the oppressive legal and societal constraints that women faced regarding their reproductive rights. With each harrowing page, Ernaux vividly portrays the fear, isolation, and desperation that consumed her during those turbulent times. Happening is a gripping and unforgettable testament to the resilience of a woman whose quest for autonomy over her own body was met with formidable obstacles.

A Timely and Provocative Exploration of Women's Rights

Happening transcends its historical context, resonating powerfully in today's political climate. Ernaux's memoir serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles for reproductive rights and bodily autonomy faced by women worldwide. By sharing her intimate experience, she ignites a crucial conversation about the importance of access to safe and legal abortion.

Through Annie's journey, Ernaux challenges societal norms and prompts readers to question the restrictive laws and societal stigmas that continue to hinder women's self-determination. Happening not only sheds light on a dark chapter in history but also propels a contemporary discourse on reproductive justice and gender equality.

An Award-Winning Masterpiece of Autofiction

Originally published in French as L'Événement, Happening has garnered widespread critical acclaim and prestigious literary awards. It received the Prix Renaudot in 2000 and was later adapted into a critically lauded film in 2021. Ernaux's distinct style of autofiction, which blends autobiography with elements of fiction, lends the memoir a raw authenticity that captivates readers.

Happening is a seminal work of literature that has cemented Annie Ernaux's status as a literary giant. Her courageous storytelling and unwavering commitment to truth-telling have earned her a place among the most influential feminist voices of our time.

Free Download Happening today to immerse yourself in a powerful and thought-provoking account of a woman's determination and the enduring fight for reproductive rights.