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All in the Mind

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About this listen

Martin Sturrock desperately needs a psychiatrist. The problem? He is one.

Emily is a traumatised burns victim, Arta a Kosovan refugee recovering from a rape. David Temple is a long-term depressive, while the Rt Hon Ralph Hall MP lives in terror of his drink problem being exposed.

Very different Londoners, but they share one thing: every week they spend an hour at the Prince Regent hospital, revealing the secrets of their psyche to Professor Martin Sturrock. Little do they know that Sturrock’s own mind is not the reassuring place they believe it to be. For years he has hidden in his work, ignoring his demons. But now his life is falling apart, and as his ghosts come back to haunt him, the only person he can turn to is a patient.

Set over a life-changing weekend, Alastair Campbell’s astonishing first novel delves deep into the human mind to create a gripping portrait of the strange dependency between patient and doctor. Both a comedy and tragedy of ordinary lives, it is rich in compassion for those whose days are spent on the edge of the abyss.

©2008 Alastair Campbell (P)2010 Random House AUDIO GO Contemporary Fiction Genre Fiction Fiction Haunted
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On the surface a book about mental health issues, politics and alcoholism doesn't sound a 'must read', however Alistair Campbell uses his intimate knowlelge of all of these to weave an absorbing tale of life in Britain today. He is fearless in raising the blunt realities of people's lives and never takes the easy route when it comes to the plot. At one point I literally came to a standstill, totally shocked by a character's action. This was a stunning book which despite it's tough issues did raise a laugh sometimes. It's characters will stay with me for sometime and I would recomend it to anyone who has ever had to deal with the effects of mental health on themselves or those around them.

Totally absorbing

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I originally read this book, in its paperback form, some years ago. Having recently watched the documentary “Depression and me”, featuring Alastair Campbell, I decided to use one of my rapidly accumulating Audible credits to purchase the audiobook version. It turned out to be a good move! The narrator is quite simply superb. He deserves an Oscar for imparting empathy, passion, emotion and whatever else it takes to convey the essence of what is a fascinating insight into personality, relationships and depression. Alastair Campbell really is a good writer....if only he was more centre/right in his political views. Alas, we can’t have it all. Well done.

Captivating!!

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This is a remarkable novel. I was unsure of the narration to start with but within a few chapters it became clear that Clive Mantle was just right for the part.
I found this book to be emotional and real. Alistair Campbell presents an exceptional picture of the troubles faced by so many and unlike so many other publications relating to mental health, he offers the perspective of the professional who devotes his life to help improve the lives of others. It provides a viewpoint often overlooked, the toll that baring the burden of others can take on the professional.
I found that I could easily relate to this wonderful novel and delighted in the presentation of the subject matter. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks an insight into the daily struggles of the average individual. It is beautifully written and a truly compelling story.

Profoundly moving.

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I wasn’t sure if this was going to be for me but I absolutely loved reading the book- I was absorbed by the characters and the storyline straight away and I laughed, grimaced and cried throughout. Would highly recommend especially to those who work in mental health and understand the toll on patients and those who treat them.

A great story about mental health and psychiatry

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a beautiful book. left me in tears. I would love to forget it and read it again if I could.

beautiful

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