Diana Reid's novel challenges traditional trauma narratives

Diana Reid, the author known for her bestseller "Love and Virtue," has released a new novel called "Signs of Damage." This book offers a different take on the popular trauma plot often seen in literature and films. Reid noticed that many stories follow a pattern where characters reveal their odd or self-destructive behavior through traumatic flashbacks. While she acknowledges that trauma can explain such behavior, she believes it has become the automatic answer. In "Signs of Damage," she questions whether this narrative always applies. The story centers on Cass, a 13-year-old who joins her friend's wealthy family for a vacation in France. During the trip, Cass goes missing for several hours, which later leads to mystery about her health. As an adult, she experiences seizures that doctors struggle to understand. Reid explains that Cass has functional neurological disorder, a condition where symptoms don't have a clear physical cause. This aspect of the book draws on Reid's interest in the connection between past trauma and health issues. The narrative moves between the past in France and the present in Sydney and Italy. It explores how Cass's trauma might connect to her current health struggles. The book raises questions about perception and how people interpret their experiences. Additionally, there is a second mystery in the story involving a death from a balcony, which adds to the intrigue. Reid describes the novel as "summer noir," similar to the popular series "The White Lotus," mixing themes of luxury with darker elements. This blend of escapism and tension is part of what makes such stories compelling.