David Jeffrey is a retired GP and palliative care doctor
Facing down the Furies is a powerful antidote to the marginalisation of the humanities in medical education. Edith Hall is a professor in Classics and Ancient History at Durham University. Her book explores the consequences of a person’s suicide for those left behind, including effects through the generations. Using a combination of a candid personal memoir, philosophy and her expert knowledge of ancient Greek tragedy, Hall discusses the neglected topic of the consequences of suicide.
With humility and inspiring candour Hall recounts the effects of the suicide of her great- grandfather and later, his daughter, the author’s grandmother (whom she is named after). Edith Hall, sensitively describes her own depression and suicidal ideation as a teenager. Reading Ancient Greek tragedies, which explored issues around suicide in a deeper way than much current literature, helped to sustain her resilience and will to live. In a book written by a renowned academic one expects a comprehensive bibliography and useful notes, and the reader will not be disappointed.
Using a combination of a candid personal memoir, philosophy and her expert knowledge of ancient Greek tragedy, Hall discusses the neglected topic of the consequences of suicide.
The book begins by exploring Aristotle’s question, “Who is damaged by suicide?”. Aristotle believed suicide wrongs other people, and this book reminds us we share a responsibility to other people, not only family and friends, but to society. The next chapter provides an accessible account of relevant voices from Greek tragedy. Hall’s particular skill is in inspiring interest in these works and, in the process, revealing her own humanity. The following chapters recount the history of the members of her family who committed suicide, linking their stories with voices from Greek tragedies.
Hall concludes with her own story and a plea for support for those who contemplate suicide. Using the example of Theseus consoling Heracles, Hall suggests such support should be non-judgemental, acknowledging the pain, reminding the person of how much they are loved and needed, before planning together for the future.
Over 7,000 people die by suicide in the UK each year. This brilliant book has so much to teach medical students and doctors about the experience of those who have lost a relative or friend to suicide and to help general practitioners in their efforts to prevent this modern tragedy.
Featured book: Edith Hall, Facing Down the Furies: Suicide, the Ancient Greeks, and me, Yale University Press, New Haven & London. 2024, 242 pages, Hardback, ISBN 978-0300273533, £18.99
