A Book A Week

As a dedicated reader, I have as much interest in authors and their writing processes as I do in their books. Discovering the various methods authors employ to craft their stories, whether through meticulous outlining or a more free-flowing, stream-of-consciousness approach, is endlessly fascinating. Equally intriguing is the genesis of the initial idea for a book. This origin is readily apparent in the case of Suzie Miller's novel Prima Facie. The narrative was initially shared in the form of her highly successful play of the same name, which garnered acclaim on both the West End and Broadway. Now, Miller has adeptly adapted this compelling story into a novel, promising to enthrall an entirely new audience with this brilliant work. 

Tessa Ensler has dedicated her life to justice. The young criminal defense barrister has worked her way up through the country's legal system, overcoming all the odds that were set against her to become one of the best at defending those who plead not guilty. Tessa's unwavering belief in the law and the judicial system is reflected in her brilliance at her craft. With a quick wit, intuitive cross-examinations, and an encyclopedic knowledge of legal procedures, she has amassed a string of victories. Even in emotionally challenging cases, Tessa maintains objectivity to secure the best defense for her clients, embodying the foundational principle of a civilized society—innocence until proven guilty.

Tessa's unwavering faith in the law is shattered when she becomes a victim herself, enduring a harrowing sexual assault by a coworker. Reporting the assault to the police, she acknowledges the uphill battle ahead, where her testimony stands against his. Yet, she clings to her belief in the system she has devoted her career to. Taking the witness stand, Tessa confronts doubt, trauma, and manipulation, determined to validate the harrowing reality of her situation and seek justice.

In Prima Facie, Suzie Miller delivers a compelling legal thriller that delves into themes of justice, trauma, and the relentless pursuit of truth. The novel serves as a stark critique of the legal system's rigidity, demanding flawless evidence from victims of sexual crimes while not holding the accused to the same standards. The narrative evoked increasing anger as I witnessed the protagonist navigating the legal obstacles, highlighting the unfortunate commonality of such situations. Understanding the reasons why many victims choose not to report their abuse or seek justice became distressingly clear, especially considering the staggering statistic of 1 in 3 women experiencing sexual assault.

Adapted from a play, Prima Facie initially shows signs of the story's expansion, with the first half burdened by an unnecessary backstory that threatened the narrative's momentum. However, as the main conflict unfolded, the story gained an urgency that captured my full attention. The culmination in a final courtroom scene was both infuriating and satisfying. I chose to experience Prima Facie in the audiobook format (provided by the publisher), narrated by Jodie Comer, who portrayed Tessa in the play. While the play likely had more streamlined pacing, the novel effectively conveys the story's importance and urgency. If transforming the play into a novel increases awareness of the harsh realities depicted, it's a worthwhile adaptation that also makes for a gripping read.

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads. 

(2024, 16)