Eggshell Skull is a gripping memoir that provides readers with an insight of how the Australian justice system operates and how it lets down women. I don’t usually read memoirs, unless they were for university; however, Lee’s book was one that I could not stop reading.
I won an ARC of this book in an IWD’s giveaway in March. Normally reviews are posted from Lachie and Layla's voices; however, this book deserves so much more than wool and ewe jokes so prepare yourselves for a serious tone.
Eggshell Skull is a memoir of participating in the Australian justice system – initially as a judge’s associate and later as a victim. The author, Bri Lee, illustrates how difficult it is for educated females to participate in legal processes involving crimes committed against their own personhood and even those who know how the system works struggle for justice. Imagine what it is like for those who have limited knowledge of how it all works and the potential for the perpetrator to escape penalty. The process recounted, based upon Lee's own experiences, is a inspiring mixture of emotions and a reminder that people who pursue justice do not make the decision lightly. Lee should be applauded for writing this memoir and publicly sharing her experiences.
Throughout the book, Lee’s authentic voice articulates how it feels to exist in a society that, from a distance, is dysfunctional. A society where women are ‘liars’, but if the defendant lies it doesn’t mean they (he) are guilty. Examples of how the justice system screws women are numerous throughout Eggshell Skull. A female victim who takes contraceptives is perceived by a jury of older citizens as being loose. The knowledge of sex in relation to age and experience allows the defence to slut shame victims. The jury is not allowed to know the defendant has multiple ongoing or past cases of similar crimes, thus they can be found ‘not guilty’ beyond reasonable doubt as jurors do not know the case was not an isolated incident.
Image courtesy/copyright of Bri Lee.
The timely publication of Eggshell Skull provides readers with an Australian voice among the #MeToo movement and other online campaigns. Hollywood needs to sort its shit out, but we need to consider how our own society and justice system allows people to carry out similar crimes.
Men are granted revenge. Women are (sometimes) offered a half-assed apology and the suggestion they must have misconstrued the situation. It’s all in their heads. The person who wronged them has been a victim themselves, it’s a cycle, not their fault.
We are conditioned to disbelieve women - to question their experiences and intentions. It is only when women start discussing among themselves what has happened to them that they realise those around them have also encountered similar situations or know somebody that has been directly impacted. Women are encouraged to be forgiving, accepting, meek, quiet, innocent. Lee’s quest for justice is admirable – you just need to check Twitter to see how women who voice their experiences are treated.
The raw emotion of this book and its eloquent writing reignited my feeling of anger towards the inherently sexist structures in society. I hope books like Eggshell Skull encourage people to consider beyond the media narrative of crimes inflicted upon women.
If there is one memoir you read this year, make it Eggshell Skull.
