Scars Book Cover
Today, I want to talk about Scars and talk to Cheryl Rainfield the author of Scars.
Scars is not a book of which you can say “I liked it” or “I did NOT like it”. It’s simply not that kind of story. Scars is a story that “touches you” or not and the latest is almost impossible even if you decide not to read the book. Also, I know that this book created a lot of controversy. What I have to say about it is that this book is not for everyone just like any other books. However, eventhough it covers really difficult subjects (self-hurt, sexual orientation, sexual abuse) I feel that everyone should be aware that such a book exists and that it is accessible to those who feel compeled to read it.
All in all I have decided to celebrate this book with an interview with the author and I am delighted that she agreed to it. So here it is :
My Open Books : I find this story is a very positive one. And just like wine, it gets better after a little decanting because it’s very intense and not an easy bubbly read.
Cheryl Rainfield : I’m so glad you think Scars is a positive book. I tried hard to put healing into it.
MOB : I know however that Scars has created a controversy, how do you interpret that?
C.R. : I think there’s a lot of fear and misinformation about self-harm, especially (and also sexual abuse and being queer). And when people are afraid of something, they react. I also think that self-harm, sexual abuse, and being queer–all big things in Scars–are things that bring up a lot of emotion in people. And when people don’t want to look at their own painful experiences, or when they’re not in a good place to deal with them, then they want to suppress discussion about it. I’ve never understood, though, the trying to censor books or prevent others from reading them. If you don’t feel comfortable with a book, then don’t read it yourself or make sure your child doesn’t. But to try to keep others from reading it?
MOB : Why did you decide to blend fiction with reality as oppose to writing your own personnal story?
C.R. : I think people can hear more through fiction, especially when it’s a painful subject. I think we’re more likely to relate to a character, and to be able to get inside her and feel compassion. I wanted to be able to reach people, really help them understand what it’s like to feel you have to cut to cope, what it’s like to be a sexual abuse survivor, or to be queer.
MOB : Even though Kendra’s been through a lot, she knows what’s good for her and she holds on to it with all her might. How is this survival instinct consistent with the act of cutting?
C.R : The fear and emotional pain was too much for Kendra to deal with–it was unbearable. I’m not sure that you can go through intense, unbearable emotion that is unrelenting and where you don’t have any relief or release and still stay sane. It might not have been the best choice, but it did help her get through and get some temporary relief. At other times, cutting prevented Kendra from killing herself, which is definitely a survival instinct (one I used myself sometimes while I was being abused).
MOB : Scars is written in the first person, was it a conscious choice?
C.R. : Yes. I really wanted to help people get inside Kendra’s emotions and head. I also think that first person can feel more immediate and intimate. It felt right to me to use it. It is also the style I find myself writing in the most. I guess I am an intense person with a lot of emotion, like Kendra, so it fits for me.
MOB : Do you see a similarity between self inflicted pain and scarring or piercing or tattooing?
C.R. : Yes and no. I think those things cause pain, and yet they’re socially acceptable in our society, or at least more than obvious self-harm. But they also cause less damage and are less risky (you’re not likely to cut an artery or a vein by piercing, for instance). Yet they still cause immediate physical pain and damage to the body, so to me they are a kind of self-harm. But not the same as cutting or burning.
MOB : And finally, you have an upcoming book in October this year. I find it interesting that the main character in Haunted is an empath. Do you see a connection between intense trauma and empathy?
C.R. : You’re right; in Hunted (coming late Oct), Caitlyn is both an empath and a telepath. And yes, I think that trauma and extreme abuse survivors are often very sensitive to other people’s emotions, and some of us have a tendency to take other people’s emotions on. I know that I became hyper-aware of others emotions in order to survive the abuse and torture I endured; I tried to figure out what would happen, what was unspoken, what was wanted of me, even when the abusers were telling me the opposite. I also think that trauma and abuse survivors can develop very strong intuitions; I sure did.
Hunted Book Cover
