‘Girl in the Dark’ by Anna Lyndsey (Bloomsbury, 2016)
As every reader knows, there are some books that stay with you. This can be for a variety of reasons. A hero may become your ideal man, a horror story may make you shy away from innocuous places, an adventure may make you want to see more of the world. I think ‘Girl in the Dark’ by Anna Lyndsey may be such a book for me.
Anna Lyndsey was living a relatively normal life when things began to change. Working at an office computer, she found that her face began to burn. At first, she endured it, using fans to cool her skin. But attending a meeting one day, she found that the subterranean room’s ceiling lights were also causing a reaction and she realised with horror that the problem was getting worse. She sought medical help and went on sick leave, not knowing that she would never return to office work again. Diagnosed with photosensitive seborrhoeic dermatitis, what began as an irritation became a debilitating, chronic condition that led to an isolated life in a blacked out room. With limited options and no hope for a cure, how can a vibrant young woman, brimming with ambition, survive?
My overwhelming feeling about this book is that it's very, very sad. The medical professions appear to abandon Lyndsey quite quickly once she's no longer able to go to the dermatologists appointments, leaving her with nothing but her own grit to keep her going. Fortunately, she clearly has an inspirational level of determination, not to mention a stella partner and supportive family. It's these factors which stop this book becoming too depressing to read. Lyndsey stubbornly refuses to give in, developing a vivid imaginary life, listening to libraries of audiobooks and always testing the boundaries that her condition sets for her. Somehow, there is hope, and if Lyndsey won't abandon the outside world, then the outside world shouldn't abandon her either.
The talking books have clearly had an influence and this shows in 'Girl in the Dark'. It's eloquently written and it's clear that the writer relishes the opportunity to describe in detail the scenes and people she may never experience firsthand again. It's also written in snappy segments, making it easy to dip in and out of on the morning / evening commute.
Overall, 'Girl in the Dark' is only an easy read in the literal sense, but I do think it's worth consideration. It's argued that literature is about expanding understanding, and this is a memoir that certainly gives a new perspective on debilitating illness, seizing opportunity and the human spirit. This is why it will stay with me for a while to come. If Lyndsey can ensure such literal and metaphorical darkness and still find some light, then so can we all.
Now, what next...?
‘Girl in the Dark’ by Anna Lyndsey was published in paperback by Bloomsbury in 2016. I read this free of charge thanks to the wonders of the public library service. I love you guys!
