The Madness: A Memoir of War, Fear and Ptsd

A journalist named Keane has written a book about his experience with PTSD, which he has struggled with for over thirty years due to his exposure to multiple instances of trauma. Despite this, he has continued to go back to the wars, driven by an irresistible compulsion to be where the night is darkest. In this powerful and personal book, Keane interrogates what draws him to the wars and offers a reckoning of the damage done. His book speaks to the struggle of all who are trying to recover from injury, addiction, and mental breakdown and is a survivor's story drawn from lived experience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

A captivating and deeply insightful exploration of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Authored by renowned journalist Keane, who has extensively covered conflict and brutality across the globe for over three decades, this book delves into the personal journey of Keane as he grapples with the debilitating effects of PTSD.

Driven by an unwavering compulsion to be in the heart of darkness, Keane has risked his life to report from some of the most dangerous and war-torn regions in the world, including Rwanda, Sudan, South Africa, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Despite the inherent risks, Keane has managed to capture the human essence of these conflicts, showcasing his remarkable ability to empathize with the victims and their struggles.

However, beneath his brave facade, Keane has been silently battling a personal demons—acute complex PTSD, a condition stemming from prolonged exposure to multiple traumas. This condition has taken a toll on his mental health, leading to numerous breakdowns and hospitalizations. Despite his struggles, Keane has returned to the frontlines time and again, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to understand the complexities of war.

In this powerful and intensely personal book, Keane delves into the reasons behind his unwavering commitment to reporting from war-torn regions. He explores the allure of conflict, the psychological toll it takes on individuals, and the profound impact it has on society. Keane also offers a poignant reckoning of the damage done by war, highlighting the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for peace and reconciliation.

PTSD affects people from all walks of life, not just those who have served in the military. Trauma can be found in various contexts, including natural disasters, abuse, and other forms of trauma. Keane's book resonates with the struggles of all who are seeking recovery from injury, addiction, and mental breakdown, offering a message of hope and resilience.

Told with honesty, courage, and an open heart, Keane's survivor's story is a testament to the human spirit's enduring power. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always the possibility of healing and growth. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of PTSD, the human cost of conflict, and the importance of compassion and empathy in our world.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008420468