Crafting an essay on women’s experiences during times of illness and wellness, authored by Nora Gold
Since my new book, “In Sickness and In Health/Yom Kippur in a Gym” (which contains two novellas), was published on March 1st, many people have asked me why I chose to write one of the novellas about sickness. I want to clarify that this novella isn’t just about sickness; it’s also about health, women’s strength, creativity, and resilience. It explores the connection between the mind and body, challenges the idea of normalcy, and delves into the experience of feeling different from those around you. It also tackles the long-term effects of stigma and celebrates the power of love.
The main character in “In Sickness and In Health” is Lily, who suffers from a mysterious illness that doctors can’t diagnose. It’s similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but different. Despite seeing seven specialists, none of them (except one female doctor) take Lily or her illness seriously. They dismiss her symptoms as either psychosomatic or normal for a middle-aged woman. Lily faces sexism and ageism in the medical field, which is unfortunately common for many women.
As a longtime feminist interested in women’s mental and physical health issues, and as someone who has researched these topics, I believe it’s important for women to write about their specific experiences and challenges. Fiction allows us to connect with people who have different experiences than our own, leading to a deeper understanding of social issues. That’s why I chose to write fiction about women’s health.
The topic of health and illness is rich with dimensions – physical, emotional, social, and more. It’s relevant to many readers, especially in a world still dealing with the effects of Covid. Although sickness itself may not be pleasant, writing about it doesn’t have to be grim. My novella includes humor, such as Lily’s hobby of collecting funny curses from different languages.
One aspect of sickness that has always intrigued me is its impact on families, particularly in terms of gender differences. As a social worker and researcher, I’ve seen how mothers and sisters often bear the brunt of caring for a family member with a disability or illness. In “In Sickness and In Health,” I explore how Lily’s chronic illness affects her marriage and her life as a whole, highlighting the need for a more supportive and inclusive environment.
I hope that my novella will raise awareness about the challenges faced by women with chronic health conditions and inspire change in both medical practices and societal attitudes.
Dr. Nora Gold is an accomplished author and the founder of the online literary journal Jewish Fiction. She has received numerous awards for her work and has dedicated her career to writing and advocating for women’s issues. Her latest book, “In Sickness and In Health/Yom Kippur in a Gym,” was published on March 1, 2024, and has already received international acclaim. For more information, visit noragold.com.
Repurposed article originally published in Women Writers, Women`s Books
