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Scorpions

A Memoir

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Scorpions

By: Tuppence Middleton
Narrated by: Tuppence Middleton
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

My mind is full of scorpions. A cerebral itch, impossible to scratch. I know these creatures well, but they know me better. They answer to another name, this nest of scorpions, the writhing black mass that lives inside my head…

For as long as Tuppence Middleton can remember, she has struggled with obsessive thoughts and compulsions. She visualises her OCD as scorpions inhabiting her mind, something to be hidden that impacts her life daily:

  • Have I killed my cat?
  • When was the last time that person in front of me vomited?
  • How many people have touched this door handle since it was cleaned?
  • Should I tap the outside of the airplane to save my loved ones from harm?

Often used as a shorthand for tidiness or as the punchline of a joke, OCD is one of society’s most misunderstood disorders and it’s rarely spoken about with such honesty and openness.

Beautifully written, moving and often darkly funny, Tuppence recounts what it feels like to share your mind with a nest of scorpions.

© Tuppence Middleton 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

 Anxiety Disorders Compulsive Disorders Mental Health People with Disabilities Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Funny Memoir
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Critic reviews

A skilful, poetic and bleakly funny account of coping with a lifelong condition
So fascinating! (Chris Evans)
Absolutely extraordinary writing (James O'Brien)
Candid and compelling, this book powerfully uncovers the raw realities of living with OCD. A must-read (Bryony Gordon)
An extraordinary piece of writing. In precise, elegant language, Tuppence Middleton gives us a clear, controlled and very lucid picture of a most strange and frightening psychological condition. Brilliantly readable (Patrick McGrath)
A fantastic memoir . . . Scorpions is intensely personal, yet somehow manages to be universal (John Robins)
With insight and generosity, Tuppence bravely and skilfully reveals her own struggles with OCD and in doing so gives us all an essential handbook . . . there isn’t a page that won’t leave you with greater understanding and empathy (Janet Ellis)
With unpretentious prose, Tuppence Middleton illuminates how devastating and all-encompassing this illness can be. Unflinchingly frank, and remarkably honest (Claire Fuller)
Scorpions is about living with OCD, but it’s also about living full stop. Tuppence Middleton has written a brilliantly immersive, funny, brave, deeply human book, brimming with intelligence and creativity (Lisa Owens)
All stars
Most relevant
I was always an anxious, over worrying, scared of the dark, obsessed with the fear of death sort of child. Never feeling comfortable in my own skin. But OCD didn’t really rear its head for me until my first pregnancy, 31 years ago, when I was 23 years old. It’s been one hell of a battle ever since. It’s taken away so much from me, but it’s made me an empathetic, kind, caring human being, so I guess it’s given me plenty too.
I want to thank you for this memoir, it resonates so much with me. It really helps to not feel so isolated and alone.
My heart goes out to anyone that lives with OCD, we really are very special human beings ♥️

A fellow OCD warrior

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I'd urge any parent with an anxious, OCD diagnosed child to listen to this. It described so much of my own childhood and I wish I had it when I was younger.

Like listening to my own childhood

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A really accessible account of OCD, which I was absorbed in right from the start.

So helpful to people trying to understand

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This book is a must for anyone experiencing or living with someone struggling with OCD- it like it was written by myself or my daughter.
It’s so helpful to know that you are not alone… the comparisons between the scorpions & the thoughts worked really well

Raising awareness & beautifully spoken truths

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To say I enjoyed this book would be inaccurate. It is beautifully written and very well read. But hearing of Tuppence's challenge with OCD was painful, scary, and unnerving. My son has OCD and it was a relief to hear from someone who has found a way to live with their scorpions, and not just survive, but excel. It gives me hope. My son is too young for this book but one day I hope he reads it and that it gives him strength. In the meantime I will be recommending it to everyone I know to support OCD sufferers in our society be better understood and supported.

Brave, hopeful and important for all to hear.

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