Marya Hornbacher is first and foremost, really funny!  It’s been a while since I read something and laughed out loud.  But her book ‘Madness A Bipolar Life’ really had me bursting out with laughter at home, on the bus, in the tube! 

That’s not to say there isn’t emotional depth.  Hornbacher candidly writes about her diagnosis and its impact on her life warts and all.  In fact the opening is quite graphic and there are some parts which aren’t for the squeamish or the faint hearted.

A naturally intelligent and academic woman Hornbacher shares the story of her journey though hospitals, psychiatrists’ offices and relationships.  After a long time misdiagnosed being given the label bipolar shapes her care.  The story shows how disruptive and difficult the illness can be.  It also shows the unrelenting human spirit and the hope of hope.

This book is a fantastic read and a real page turner.

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Sue, London, 2013