It is 1963, and Annie Ernaux, winner of The Nobel Prize for Literature in 2022, has just discovered that she is pregnant. She is absolutely sure she is not ready to raise a child, but abortion is illegal in France. Happenings describes the trials and tribulations she must endure in order to obtain an abortion.

Annie Ernaux’s memoir took me back to the time when abortions were illegal and women feared nothing more than an unwanted pregnancy. Happening is moving and frightening, especially considering what is happening today. This is a small book with a lot to say. I look forward to reading another book by Ernaux.