Hospital

Hospital is a powerful and courageous novel that explores the experiences of a woman diagnosed with psychosis, challenging the medical model of sanity and raising questions about treatment. Written in a deceptively calm first-person voice, the book is based on real-life events and offers a raw and honest depiction of the precarity of living with psychosis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 132 pages
Publication date: 05 June 2023
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

In Melbourne, Australia, a woman in her late thirties is diagnosed with her third episode of psychosis, amounting to schizophrenia. What follows is a frenzied journey from home to a community house to a hospital and out again. Sanya, the protagonist, finds herself questioning the diagnosis of her sanity or insanity, as determined and defined by a medical model that seems less than convincing to her. Having studied psychology herself, she wonders whether, even if the diagnosis is correct to some extent, the treatment should be different. Sanya tells her story in a deceptively calm, first-person voice, using conversations as the primary narrative mode, as she ponders if and when the next psychotic episode will materialize.

Based on real-life events and originally written in Bengali, Hospital is a daring first novel that unflinchingly depicts the precarity of a woman living with psychosis and her struggles with the definition of sanity in our society.

The novel opens with Sanya, a woman in her late thirties, receiving her diagnosis of psychosis. She is initially reluctant to accept the label, questioning the validity of the medical model and its treatment. Sanya has a background in psychology and wonders if the diagnosis is solely based on that model or if there are other factors that should be considered.

Throughout the novel, Sanya's journey is portrayed with honesty and depth. She experiences a range of emotions, from fear and confusion to frustration and anger. She struggles to navigate the healthcare system, dealing with doctors who seem to be more interested in treating her symptoms than understanding her experiences.

One of the central themes of the novel is the question of sanity and its definition. Sanya questions whether her diagnosis is correct and whether the treatment she is receiving is the best way to help her. She wonders if there are alternative approaches that could be more effective in helping her manage her symptoms and live a fulfilling life.

The novel also explores the social and cultural implications of psychosis. Sanya's experiences are often met with stigma and discrimination, and she struggles to find support and understanding in her community. She feels isolated and alone, and her struggles with psychosis are often dismissed or misunderstood.

Despite the challenges Sanya faces, she remains strong and resilient. She uses her knowledge of psychology to help herself understand her symptoms and develop coping strategies. She also seeks out alternative therapies and support groups, hoping to find a community that accepts and understands her.

The novel's ending is ambiguous, leaving readers to wonder about Sanya's future and whether she will be able to manage her psychosis. However, the novel leaves a lasting impression on the reader, highlighting the importance of empathy, understanding, and support for those living with mental health challenges.

Hospital is a powerful and courageous novel that deftly tackles psychosis. It provides a raw and honest portrayal of a woman's journey through psychosis and her struggles with the healthcare system and society's definition of sanity. The novel's themes of empathy, understanding, and support are relevant to all readers, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in mental health and social issues.

Weight: 348g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803091723