Roll Back the World: A Sister's Memoir

When Deborah's older sister Rachel falls prey to severe mental illness, the sibling relationship is strained. Deborah provides a poignant look at a mid-century Jewish family under strain, offers a moving account of Rachel's indomitable spirit, and explores family history from the WWII years and the Cold War. After a bold attempt to help Rachel fails, Deborah finally gains her freedom when Rachel is asked to write a poem. Rachel finds acceptance in a compassionate community, including a synagogue where she returns to her youth's religion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 17 October 2023
Publisher: She Writes Press

When Deborah Kasdan's older sister, Rachel, a budding poet she loved and admired as a child, falls prey to severe mental illness, the dynamics of their sibling relationship undergo a profound transformation. Rachel's journey from a radiant and healthy individual to a commitment to a psychiatric hospital is a harrowing tale of resilience and the complexities of mental health. In her book, "The Girl in the Window," Deborah Kasdan provides a poignant and insightful exploration of a mid-century Jewish family under strain, offering a moving account of Rachel's indomitable spirit and delving into family history from the WWII years and the Cold War.

As Deborah grapples with her own family and career, she is constantly haunted by a sense of guilt, stemming from her and her other two siblings' unsuccessful attempt to help Rachel. It is only after a mental health worker prompts Rachel to write a poem that she finally finds her way back to freedom. To Deborah's great relief, Rachel finds acceptance and a sense of belonging in a compassionate community, including a synagogue where she reconnects with her faith.

"The Girl in the Window" is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the complexities of family relationships. It sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness and the importance of seeking support and understanding. Through Rachel's story, Deborah Kasdan offers a poignant reflection on the power of love, compassion, and the human capacity for healing.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647425715