Reviewed by Dennis Relojo-Howell
Peters’s Consenting to Infection: HEP C and the Pandemic (2024) is a deeply personal and profoundly moving narrative that explores the intricate challenges of living with chronic illness against the backdrop of the hepatitis C crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The book is both a testament to individual resilience and a critique of the systemic failures that exacerbate the struggles of those with chronic and mental health conditions. Peters offers readers a raw and unfiltered account of his experiences, making this book a vital contribution to contemporary discussions on health, illness, and recovery.
Narrative style and structure
Peters adopts a narrative nonfiction style that is both intimate and reflective, effectively conveying the personal nature of his journey. The book is structured into vignettes, each capturing a moment or theme that has shaped the author’s life. This fragmented approach mirrors the disjointed reality of living with a chronic illness, where moments of clarity are often interrupted by episodes of pain and confusion (Brown et al., 2020). The conversational – yet academically grounded – tone of the book makes it accessible to a wide audience, from lay readers to professionals in the fields of health and social care.
The use of direct, unembellished language throughout the book lends it an authenticity that is likely to resonate with readers. Peters’s narrative is free of the melodrama sometimes associated with illness memoirs (Herges, 2024), instead offering a candid portrayal of the day-to-day realities of managing both mental and physical health challenges (Peters, 2024). This approach allows the reader to connect with Peters on a personal level, while also engaging with the broader social and political implications of his experiences.
Themes and subject matter
Consenting to Infection tackles a range of interwoven themes, including the stigma associated with chronic illness (O’Donnell et al., 2022), the inadequacies of the healthcare system (LiPuma & Robichaud, 2020), and the psychological toll of managing multiple health crises simultaneously (Lee et al., 2020). Peters does not merely recount his suffering; as discussed above, he uses his personal experiences as a lens through which to critique the systemic issues that compound individual struggles.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its exploration of the intersection between mental and physical health. Peters discusses his ongoing experience of and struggle with schizophrenia, highlighting how it complicates the management of his hepatitis C (Peters, 2024). This intersectionality is a central theme of the book, challenging the compartmentalized approach found often within the healthcare system when considering the relationship between mental and physical health. The narrative underscores the need for a more integrated and holistic approach to treatment, one that understands the whole person rather than treating conditions in isolation (Fisher et al., 2022). Moreover, Peters also addresses the socioeconomic factors that influence the experiences of those living with chronic illnesses (Kvarnström et al., 2021). The book critiques the healthcare system’s failure to adequately support marginalized populations, calling for a more patient-centred approach that takes into account the diverse needs of individuals (Lee et al., 2020). The COVID-19 pandemic, which forms a constant backdrop to the narrative, serves to highlight the vulnerabilities of those with pre-existing conditions, exacerbating the challenges they face and exposing the gaps in the healthcare system (Dean, 2020).
Character development and psychological depth
Peters’s portrayal of the people in his life, including himself, is rich in psychological depth. The author’s introspective approach allows readers to gain a deep understanding of his thoughts, emotions, and motivations (Peters, 2024). This psychological insight is particularly evident in his portrayal of his relationships with family members, friends, and healthcare providers.
The relationship with his parents, especially, serves as a cornerstone of the narrative. Their unwavering support is contrasted with the strained relationship with his brother, highlighting the different ways in which family members respond to chronic illness (Peters, 2024). Peters presents these relationships with unflinching honesty, showing their imperfections as well as their strengths. This portrayal adds nuance to the narrative, making it not just a story of illness, but also a story of human relationships and the complexities of love and support.
Peters also explores his interactions with the healthcare system, personified through the various doctors, therapists, and social workers he encounters. These figures are not mere background characters; they play a crucial role in the narrative, representing the broader systemic challenges that the author faces (Peters, 2024). Peters’s critique of these healthcare professionals is balanced, acknowledging their efforts while also highlighting the systemic constraints that limit their ability to provide effective care.
Cultural and social commentary
As noted, Consenting to Infection goes beyond the personal to offer a broader social commentary on the state of healthcare and societal attitudes towards chronic illness. Peters is acutely aware of the cultural stigma surrounding conditions like hepatitis C and schizophrenia, and he addresses these stigma head-on (Peters, 2024). The book challenges readers to reconsider their preconceived notions about illness and to recognise the systemic injustices that often go unchallenged in mainstream society.
A significant contribution of the book is its exploration of the concept of consent in the context of illness. The title itself – Consenting to Infection – is a provocative statement that encapsulates the author’s struggle with the idea of agency in the face of unavoidable illness (Peters, 2024). Peters questions the notion of consent when illness is not a choice but a consequence of systemic failures. This theme resonates particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, where issues of consent, risk, and responsibility have been and remain subjects of intense debate (Dean, 2020).
Peters also critiques the ways in which societal leadership tends to marginalize those with chronic illnesses, often pushing them to the fringes of social and professional life. The book discusses the economic and social isolation that frequently accompanies chronic illness, exacerbated by the stigma and fear that surround conditions like hepatitis C (Lee et al., 2020). Through his narrative, Peters calls for a more inclusive and compassionate society, one that recognizes the humanity of those living with chronic conditions and works to dismantle the barriers that prevent them from leading fulfilling lives (Peters, 2024).
Critical evaluation
While Consenting to Infection is a powerful and necessary narrative, it is not without its challenges. The fragmented structure of the book, while effective in reflecting the disjointed nature of living with chronic illness, can at times make the narrative difficult to follow. Some readers may struggle with the lack of a linear storyline, particularly those who prefer a more traditional narrative arc. However, this structural choice is deliberate and serves to emphasise the ongoing, cyclical nature of illness and recovery (Peters, 2024).
Additionally, the book’s focus on the personal and subjective means that some broader socio-political issues are only briefly touched upon. For example, while Peters critiques the healthcare system, there is less discussion on the specific policy changes needed to address these trenchant issues. This narrative aspect is not necessarily a shortcoming, as the book is first and foremost a personal narrative, but readers looking for a more detailed analysis of healthcare policy will likely need to supplement their reading with other sources (Peters, 2024).
The book’s emotional intensity is likely to be both a strength and a potential challenge for readers. Peters’s unflinching honesty about his struggles can be overwhelming, particularly for those who may be dealing with similar issues (Peters, 2024). However, it is this very honesty that gives the book its impact, providing a voice to (or joining with) those who are often unheard and offering a glimpse into the lived experience of chronic illness.
Conclusion
Consenting to Infection: HEP C and the Pandemic is a courageous and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on the lived experience of chronic illness. J. Peters has crafted a narrative that is as much about survival as it is about the failures of the systems meant to support those in need. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in mental health, chronic illness, and the socio-political factors that shape the experiences of those living with these conditions.
The relevance of the book extends beyond its specific subject matter, offering insights into the broader human experience of vulnerability, resilience, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity. It challenges readers to confront their biases and to consider how society can better support those with chronic illnesses, urging a collective rethinking of the values and structures that govern our approach to health and well-being. In doing so, Consenting to Infection stands as both a deeply personal account and a call to action, advocating for a more empathetic and just society.
References
Brown, A., Hayden, S., Klingman, K., & Hussey, L. C. (2020). Managing uncertainty in chronic illness from patient perspectives. Journal of Excellence in Nursing and Healthcare Practice, 2(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.5590/jenhp.2020.2.1.01
Dean, C. E. (2020). The skeptical professional’s guide to psychiatry: On the risks and benefits of antipsychotics, antidepressants, psychiatric diagnoses, and neuromania. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003032038
Fisher, K., Weissinger, G., O’Rorke, R., Edwards, E., & Diamond, G. (2022). Consumers with serious mental illness perspectives on care integration: Preparation for integration. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 28(3), 193-202. https://doi.org/10.1177/10783903221091974
Herges, K. (2024). The intimate palliative sphere: affect, gender, and the good death in relational end-of-life narratives. Literature and Medicine, 42(1), 88-111. https://doi.org/10.1353/lm.2024.a935835
Kvarnström, K., Westerholm, A., Airaksinen, M., & Liira, H. (2021). Factors contributing to medication adherence in patients with a chronic condition: A scoping review of qualitative research. Pharmaceutics, 13(7), 1100. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13071100
Lee, A. A., James, A. S., & Hunleth, J. M. (2020). Waiting for care: chronic illness and health system uncertainties in the United States. Social Science & Medicine, 264, 113296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113296
LiPuma, S. H., & Robichaud, A. L. (2020). Deliver us from injustice: Reforming the US healthcare system. Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, 17, 257-270. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11673-020-09961-2
O’Donnell, A. T., & Habenicht, A. E. (2022). Stigma is associated with illness self‐concept in individuals with concealable chronic illnesses. British Journal of Health Psychology, 27(1), 136-158. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12534
Title: Consenting to Infection: Hep C and the Pandemic
Author: J. Peters
Publisher: J. Peters
Year: 2024
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About the Reviewer
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg, a digital platform that focuses on psychology, mental health, and wellness.