Eloise Rodger's debut novel, "Death's a Bitch," tells a heartfelt story about the bond between sisters, especially focused on Aggie and her sister Marcie, who is struggling with an eating disorder. As the family awaits treatment for Marcie in an NHS psychiatric ward, Death, personified as a stylish middle-aged woman, appears in Aggie's bedroom and offers a deal: she will save Marcie if Aggie can break the heart of her wayward son, Aeron.
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Rodger, now 23 and based in London, described her character Death as inspired by multitasking mothers, stating, "Death has a million things to do, she’s always busy... So then, I was like, it’s a woman, and then I went, ‘She’s probably a mother.’” The novel, acquired by Faber and with television rights sold to Conker Pictures, offers a blend of dark satire and poignant themes about love and sacrifice.
Rodger dedicated the novel to her younger sister, Tess, emphasizing the deep emotional connection between sisters. She reflects, "When it came to Marcie, euphemisms about love felt like understatements," explaining that her relationship with her sister profoundly influenced her writing.
Aggie's role as a caretaker is palpable, and Rodger depicts the emotional toll such a responsibility takes. Aggie's candid thoughts reflect the complexities of caring for someone who is ill, pushing against societal expectations of how one should feel during such times. Rodger aims to portray the contrast of grief and joy, demonstrating how Aggie balances her sister's illness with her personal experiences, including her own journey into young adulthood.
Rodger began writing the novel at age 16, motivated by her childhood experiences and a suggestion from her father to pursue writing. The characters evolved along with Rodger, who rewrote the draft multiple times, ultimately shaping a narrative that speaks to her generation's struggles with mental health issues, particularly those exacerbated by the pandemic.
"Death's a Bitch" presents a unique lens on adolescence, illness, and relationships, offering readers a compelling look at life’s complexities while reminding us of the experience of living, even amidst darkness.