Girl, Interrupted

Girl, Interrupted is a poignant memoir by Susanna Kaysen that delves into her life within a psychiatric ward in the late 1960s. At just eighteen, Kaysen finds herself at McLean Hospital after a visit to a psychiatrist leads to her admission, capturing the turbulent journey of her mental health struggles over a two-year period.

The Plot

Through a series of reflective narratives, Kaysen provides a candid exploration of her experiences alongside other young women grappling with various mental health issues. The hospital setting becomes a microcosm for examining the complexities of sanity and insanity, as Kaysen navigates her own diagnosis of depression and the challenging relationships formed with fellow patients. Her observations highlight the often arbitrary distinctions society makes regarding mental illness.

Themes

Kaysen's work raises critical questions about the nature of mental health care, the stigma attached to mental illness, and the societal norms that influence perceptions of behaviour. The themes of identity, conformity, and the struggle for self-understanding resonate throughout the narrative, offering readers a profound insight into the human psyche.

Writing Style

Her writing is characterised by its unflinching honesty and lyrical prose, drawing readers into her world with vivid descriptions and introspective reflections. Kaysen's ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity adds to the literary merit of the memoir, making it a powerful companion to other works that tackle similar themes, such as The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.

"The line between sanity and insanity is a thin one, and often, it is the company we keep that defines our reality." – Susanna Kaysen