Creative Category: Book Reviews

The Recovery Letters, Addressed to People Experiencing Depression edited by James Withey and Olivia Stephen

The purpose of this book is twofold. On the one hand it aims to provide a greater understanding of psychosis for sufferers. On the other hand, the book pays tribute to the power of storytelling.

This is a beautiful, poetic book about seeking connection to our authentic selves. It is a book written from the heart and mind, guided by reason. It is searching for our souls rather than a book of soul searching.

Having overseen the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa and communicated with experts in reconciliation around the world, Desmond Tutu and his daughter know more than most about forgiveness, in the context of some of the most difficult of human circumstances.

‘Madness Made Me’ is Mary O’Hagan’s brilliant account both of her madness and of her recovery from it, going on to become a world leader of the mad movement.

Tom, the 49 year old central character of Totnes-published author Kevin Marman’s book, is a person who is struggling. Long-term unemployed for the first time ever, he has to ‘keep it in the day’, to keep busy, to stay meaningful, to live with the good awarenesses that are often there if one simply breathes into the moment.

Kate Millett, a feminist who first came to fame in 1970 after the publication of her book of feminist literary theory ‘Sexual Politics’ hit the media zeitgeist, has a narrative skill that is almost impossible to tear oneself away from.

This is an important report. It is about the major concern for the current experience of people with severe mental illness, with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and other psychosis, and what can be recommended to make things better for the future.

This is a wonderfully clear and balanced account of the issues around psychiatric medication and in particular, coming off it.