RNZ presenter Susie Ferguson’s memoir is a powerful exploration of womanhood. Early in her career as a war correspondent, she was often the only woman among soldiers on the frontlines. During this time she was also experiencing chronic endometriosis pain and relying on opioids.
“Memoirs of war correspondents often detail the violence of the battlefield, but I wanted to write about conflict from my perspective - as a lone young woman in that world, who it most definitely wasn’t built for. But the front line was one situation where I didn’t have to fight, unlike the school bullies or women’s health conditions including endometriosis, childbirth and menopause. Bloody Minded is my story, it’s one of joy and love, anger and hurt, grit and determination, of cracking yarns and extraordinary times in the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, through gynaecology wards and delivery suites, and coming home to Aotearoa,” says Susie.
Even bloody-minded grit couldn’t have prepared Susie for womanhood! More than her body’s betrayal, it was waiting years for surgery because she was told her pain doesn’t matter.
Susie’s highly engaging memoir provides important commentary on the state of women’s healthcare, particularly regarding endometriosis.
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease, affecting an estimated 176 million people worldwide and 120,000 in New Zealand, impacting about 1 in 10 women. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often causing period pain, pelvic pain and fertility issues. The average delay time for an endometriosis diagnosis has recently increased and many women are now facing a ten year wait for diagnosis.
Susie Ferguson was born in Scotland and is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster in New Zealand. After graduating from The Royal Central School of Speech & Drama and the University of the Arts London, she became a war correspondent. She reported and presented from around the world, before emigrating to New Zealand in 2009. She was the co-host of RNZ’s Morning Report and has made numerous documentaries and podcasts. She now hosts RNZ’s Saturday Morning, is an ambassador for Endometriosis New Zealand and lives in Wellington with her family. Learn more about endometriosis here.
Reviewer: Andrea Molloy
Harper Collins