The debut novel from American neurologist Anna Deforest, “History of the Current Illness,” is a raw and unflinching exploration of the medical profession and the human experience of suffering and healing. Drawing on her own years of training and experience in a New York hospital, Deforest’s novel takes readers on a journey into the heart of the medical system, where classism, racism, and the harsh realities of palliative care collide.
The novel opens with a graphic description of a group of young medical students preparing to dissect the corpse of a black woman in an anatomy class. The narrator, a medical student herself, grapples with the ethical questions surrounding the origin of the body and the emotional toll of dissecting a once-living person. As the story unfolds, themes of power, privilege, and the human cost of medical treatment come to the forefront, exposing the complexities and contradictions of modern healthcare.
With a tone that is at times shocking and darkly humorous, Deforest navigates the pain and suffering of her characters with a sense of empathy and understanding. The novel delves into the narrator’s own personal struggles with mental health, family trauma, and self-harm, revealing a deeply wounded protagonist searching for healing and redemption.
“History of the Current Illness” is a powerful and poignant debut that challenges readers to confront the harsh realities of illness and suffering, while also offering a glimpse of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Deforest’s novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of compassion and empathy in the face of pain.