One Friday in April: A Story of Suicide and Survival

Donald Antrim, a well-known author, wrote a memoir about his experience with suicide. He describes how he ended up on the roof of his apartment building and the events that followed, including two hospitalizations, clinical trials, and ECT. The memoir also explores the author's recovery and setbacks over the years. Antrim's insights challenge the understanding of suicide as a choice and portray it as an illness caused by trauma and isolation. One Friday in April is a powerful and insightful work that sheds light on the tragedy and mystery of suicide and offers solace that may save lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2023
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

As the sun gracefully descended upon the sky on a serene Friday afternoon in the vibrant month of April 2006, acclaimed author Donald Antrim found himself perched precariously on the roof of his Brooklyn apartment building, gripped by an overwhelming sense of fear for his life. In this poignant and captivating memoir, Antrim vividly relives the series of events that led him to that fateful moment, as well as the harrowing aftermath that unfolded upon his return to safety.

In this deeply personal account, Antrim recounts the two hospitalizations, the weeks of futile clinical trials, the sheer terror of undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and the life-changing call from the late David Foster Wallace that ultimately convinced him to give it a try. The journey of recovery and setback that followed is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as Antrim navigates the complexities of mental illness and the profound impact of trauma and personal isolation.

Through a profound and haunting exploration of his own story, One Friday in April challenges the very boundaries of our understanding of suicide. Antrim's personal insights redefine suicide, recognizing it as an illness in its own right, a unique consequence of trauma and personal isolation rather than a mere choice made by a depressed individual. This groundbreaking work serves as a vital companion to William Styron's iconic masterpiece, Darkness Visible, shedding light on the tragedy and mystique surrounding suicide and offering solace that has the potential to save lives.

In conclusion, Donald Antrim's memoir is a powerful testament to the human spirit's resilience and the profound impact of mental illness. Through his candid and heartfelt storytelling, Antrim offers a fresh perspective on suicide, challenging our preconceptions and providing solace to those who have faced similar struggles. One Friday in April is a necessary read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the human mind and heart, and to explore the potential for healing and transformation in the face of adversity.

Weight: 124g
Dimension: 140 x 276 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324050407