Parakeet

The Parakeet is a comic-book-inspired story about a boy whose mother suffers from "bipolar disorder with schizophrenic tendencies." He uses his imagination to cope with her illness, seeing it as a comic-book heroine who may explode in superhuman fury. The story explores the confusion and heartache of watching his mother's illness worsen and the treatments fail, while reaffirming the bonds of love.

Format: Hardback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2021
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

Bastien is just eight years old, but his life is already filled with challenges. His mother, who is ill, often experiences episodes that leave her screaming, fighting, and scratching. She is taken to specialized clinics for frequent treatments, which Bastien finds difficult to cope with. When his mother returns home, she is different. She has no feelings, no desires, and little interest in him. The doctors have diagnosed her with "bipolar disorder with schizophrenic tendencies," but Bastien prefers to imagine her as a comic-book heroine, like Jean Grey, who has the power to become Dark Phoenix and unleash incredible fury.

The Parakeet is a powerful story that explores the complexities of mental illness and the impact it can have on families. It is based on the creators own childhood experiences, and the film is filled with moments of confusion, heartache, and love. Bastien's journey to accept his mother as she is while longing for the mother he needs is a relatable one, and the film offers a glimpse into the lives of those who must navigate the challenges of mental illness.

Weight: 1034g
Dimension: 217 x 293 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271088051