This Is How I Disappear

This is How I Disappear is a novel that explores the mental health struggles of millennials, featuring Clara, who is dealing with writer's block, a demanding job, and the trauma of sexual assault. Through her interactions with her community, Clara learns to love herself and find relief from her depression. The novel also provides a window into the lives of young people as they cope with mental health hurdles, using 21st-century idioms and social media communication.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2021
Publisher: Drawn and Quarterly

Clara is at a breaking point. She's struggling with writer's block, her friends expect a lot from her without offering much in return, her psychologist is ineffective, and her demanding publishing job leaves little time for self-care. She seeks solace in the community around her, but while her friends provide support and comfort, she often feels empty, unable to express the underlying depression that leaves her immobilized and stifles any attempts at completing her poetry collection.

In her novel This is How I Disappear, Mirion Malle paints an empathetic portrait of a young woman grappling with psychological stress and the trauma stemming from a sexual assault experience. Malle displays frankness and remarkable emotional intelligence as she delves into themes of depression, isolation, and self-harm. Her heroine battles a relentless onslaught of painful emotions, and while Clara can provide solace to those around her, she finds it difficult to extend the same understanding to herself. It's only when she allows her community to guide her towards self-love that she finds relief.

This Is How I Disappear is filled with 21st-century idioms and social media communication, offering a window into the lives of young people as they navigate a multitude of mental health hurdles. Scenes of sisterhood, fun nights out singing karaoke, and impromptu FaceTime therapy sessions showcase how this generation is coping, connecting, and healing together.

Clara's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of community and self-love in overcoming adversity. It's a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is always hope for healing and growth.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 165 x 235 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781770464612