Honesty And Bravery In Writing

There are things we think sometimes that we must never say out loud. This is what our cultural upbringing tells us. Even if we have those bad thoughts, other people mustn't know that we thought them, even briefly.

But aren't writers meant to write down the thoughts that others won't speak?

Recently, I read The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas, an Australian award-winning author. It is the epitome of brave, honest writing that speaks the truth of what (some) people think. It's an uncomfortable book, more compelling to read rather than enjoyable but I couldn't put it down. When I recommend it to people I say it's voyeuristic, almost on the verge of schadenfreude (delight at others misfortune).

The inciting incident is at a family BBQ in Melbourne, Australia when a man slaps a badly behaving child who is not his own. The ramifications of this event are told from the perspectives of the different characters. We read their dirty thoughts and experience their reactions, conversations and the feelings they keep hidden.

It is a slice of multi-cultural life where liberal middle-class values are slashed away and the underbelly of real emotion is shown.

Racism is clearly depicted between Greek, Indian, Aboriginal and white characters who are all essentially Australian. Classism isn't meant to exist in Australia but we see it through the eyes of Harry, with new money as he looks at the shabby house of the family whose child he hit.

Motherhood is tackled through the eyes of Anouk, who feels no desire for a baby and terminates her pregnancy without telling her close friends who would judge her for it. We also see Rosie, whose child Hugo is slapped. When the scene is described, you feel in one way it was justified as the child is violent, undisciplined and spoiled but then there is the argument that no child should be hit, whatever the definition of the word. Then we see Rosie's life where she still breast-feeds Hugo at age 4, and he even demands it. The way she brings him up would revolt some and be defended by others.

Sex is pervasive in the book, within marriage, but also with affairs, fantasies and gay experience. The honesty is excruciating in parts, a side to domesticity that perhaps no one wants to talk about. Happiness doesn't feature much in the book, but then, happy couples don't make for a great story. At times, the raw writing makes you put it down to get your breath back.

Age and death are also written about, as well as family pride, money and lies which damage and destroy relationships. This is a book full of the topics we often hide and run from, to avoid controversy and anger from others.

If you can face an uncomfortably honest read, then The Slap will give you much to think about.

What do you think about honesty in writing? Do you tackle taboo subjects in your writing?