Man or monster?

Most of my books contain strong, capable women like Roxy Parker and the Finlay sisters, but a recent radio interview got me wondering: If they were marooned on a desert island with a bunch of strangers, how would they react? Not very well, according to the Aussie co-author of a new book called No Mercy: True Stories of Disaster, Survival and Brutality, Eleanor Learmonth (with Jenny Tabakoff; 2013).

After studying dozens of real-life Robinson Crusoe-style scenararios, they came to the horrific conculsion that most of us turn into immoral, vicious monsters when the chips are down a la Lord of the Flies. And that freaks me out.

I don't know about Roxy and Alicia, but I like to picture myself as the Goddess of Calm in a crisis. I was voted School Captain back when I actually thought that mattered. I have long stood up to bullies and am rarely afraid of authority or taking a risk (within reason). I am fairly pragmatic, an articulate negotiator and have more than a dose of common sense. With that in mind, I like to think I could help lead the troops through days and days of food rationing, stress and emotional despair to ensure we all get back home healthy, happy and alive, and preferably in one piece.

In your dreams, suggests Learmonth. In a recent ABC Radio National interview with the peerless Richard Fidler (do interviewers get any better?), Learmonth explained how research proves that humans are more likely than not to discard all of our humanity, destroying the weak (gobbling them up for good measure), battling for power and generally turning into beasts. Forget 'women and children first', it's 'every man for himself'. It's not a pretty picture but there is some hope.

Learmonth did cite one inspiring group who managed to survive a ship wreck with good, elected leadership and the power of purpose (keep everyone busy and there's less chance of misbehaviour, apparently). She goes on to suggest other survival tips if you do find yourself stuck with salivating strangers, and they make such good sense. I'm thinking I should print them out and keep them with my passport, just in case.

This sounds like a fascinating read, more chilling than your average thriller, and I'm adding it to my Christmas Book Gift List this year. You might want to check it out yourself. But in the meantime, just hope you never have to put your mettle to the test. You may well be disappointed.

Happy reading!
xo Christina