Sixteen-year-old Deborah’s identity is shattering as she retreats further from her real world and into her imaginary kingdom of Yr. Sent to a psychiatric hospital she tries to find her way back. This fictionalised autobiography is a wrenching account of mental illness. This was first published in 1966 I believe.
From the beginning the prose is wonderful. The writing is so good with telling descriptions and it just flows beautifully. The subject, however, is quite difficult.
The parents reluctantly agree that their daughter needs professional help as they can no longer cope with her. The characters feel real, well defined and three dimensional. It’s a sad but honest story but quite difficult to read in places. We are constantly reminded of the stigma attached to mental illness.
I’m glad that I read it but would only recommend it to those who either have an interest in mental illness or how the medical world has changed over a few short decades.
My thank to #NetGalley, #PenguinPressUK for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My Write 