A gripping, compelling and highly readable discourse on the 'hidden' and taboo phenomenon of suburban ennui that creeps up on - and afflicts - many married women with children. There are obvious parallels between this book and the non-fiction work entitled 'The Feminine Mystique' by Betty Freidan.
'Breakdown' was, for me, refreshing in its realness. So many domestic fiction works nowadays - and I love this genre - feature high-flying women who are depicted as having groundbreaking careers (often in medicine/veterinary science) while also being stellar mothers, partners and housewives. Comparing oneself to these fictional superwomen is exhausting and, frankly, boring. I am not convinced by their Stepford-Wive-esque nature, and that is why 'Breakdown' - in its rawness - was such a hit with me.
Not only was the main character of this work believable and relatable, but the writing downright made me laugh aloud. The book also contains many thought-provoking insights. I appreciated the astute observation that - while Ireland prides itself on being more accepting of and vocal about women's struggles today than in the past - we are, in fact, only comfortable discussing select women's struggles. For example, women may discuss their abortion struggle - a 'safe' topic. Many insidious struggles encountered by women, however, are still very much 'taboo' and off-limits, which audiences/common culture will not tolerate talk of. Such struggles include disliking one of your offspring, and finding yourself bored with your 'nice-guy' husband.
The book shamelessly tackles these topics in a deadpan and humorous way. The book is certainly not all roses, but I have found that I prefer to immerse myself in a compellingly real narrative on a person's psyche as opposed to being sold the idealised, 'perfect' female specimen that we are often exposed to in literature.