If I write this novel, should it be from the wife's perspective?

Question

It's about an abusive marriage.

I want to write it from both the husband and wife's perspectives.

It's hard being the voice on an abusive man, though.

What should I do?

Answer 1

Keyword is "IF".



And I really don't think the world needs another useless, inartistic piece of trash, collecting dust on library shelves and discount bookstores.



Save your energy.

Answer 2

I think you need to ask yourself why you're writing it, what story it is you have to tell. There are things that can be said through an abusive relationship. What do you want to make it communicate? If the story isn't carrying anything (by that I don't necessarily mean a moral, "message," political statement, etc, just anything at all of some human importance), then it's just a story about something nasty happening. When you figure out what you're saying, you'll have an easier time figuring out how to say it.

Answer 3

Talk to a man who used to abuse his wife, maybe? Look for testimonials online? Maybe some psychiatrists or someone similar would have case notes on the mental processes of an abuser.



I like Holly's idea - maybe make the *man* be the victim and the woman be the abuser. Not enough attention is given to male victims of DV, and it's a pervasive problem. Your novel could help.

Answer 4

Whoever you are trying to sell it to. I would say women in this case.



I don't know the abusive man chronicles would sell as well. And I wouldn't care to read it.

Answer 5

Write it in from the husbands POV! There are tons of books about women being abused.

Answer 6

it would be more interesting if you painted both characters as flawed and understandable otherwise you are simply writing a cartoon script