A great story about mental health and psychiatry

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.

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Captivating!!

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.

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beautiful

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

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Clive Mantle is brilliant

Fascinating story. But Clive Mantle’s performance was just incredible. He makes every one of the huge cast of characters come alive, each in a unique way. Thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook

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Totally absorbing

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.

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3 people found this helpful

Profoundly moving.

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.

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Surprisingly good

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It wasn't written amazingly well but the characterisation was good. I particularly liked the psychological aspects and I think Alastair Campbell has a good understanding of people. I would recommend it.

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1 person found this helpful

A brilliant and thought provoking book

I wasn’t sure what to think about the book at first, associating the author with politics rather than fiction. A friend recommended the book and I listened to it relatively quickly. There are clearly autobiographical elements in some of the characters and the book uses the novel to take the listener through a number of thought provoking and difficult areas. It describes mental health issues really well and shows that we are all complex and many of the issues raised in the book are areas that a lot of people experience at some point in life.

It’s not my normal book (mostly detective fiction) so the following statement needs to consider this but I can’t think of a book that has made me think about so many things whilst reading it. A difficult read at times. The narrator does an amazing job with a difficult subject. Thoroughly recommended - I will certainly buy his next book.

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Terrible narration

This was a great story spoiled by the narration. It felt over acted and overly dramatic.
The accents seemed wrong and the female parts were the worst. The narrator made them all sound like querulous old women.
I wouldn’t buy another book narrated by this person.

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Exceptionally good

If you have ever suffered from depression, this book will strike a chord. If you haven’t, it will explain what people with depression go through. Either way, it’s a beautiful book. I admire the author for not giving in to mawkishness or schmaltz. Dark humour prevents the book from becoming depressing. It is well read, though I found x1.2 helped.

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