I recently finished this book and it's still in my head now. In it, Emma tells the story of her suicide attempt, depression, mania, love, loss and the psychiatrist who saved her life. Dr R died unexpectedly without ever telling any of his patients he was sick with lung cancer.
It's an extremely interesting read. She writes very well and this makes it quite difficult going at times. It's difficult not to continue reading compulsively, but it's often heartbreaking. There were times my heart ached for her and I almost felt like I was experiencing abandonment by a lover as she did! The sense of regret that she didn't know about Dr R's illness is a theme and there seems to be guilt that she didn't use some of the time more wisely and didn't get to really tell him just how much he did for her. Discovering that it's too late to tell a person what an important role they have played in your life is very hard. She struggles to get some kind of "closure". The chapters are rounded off with little notes from other patients of Dr R, all of whom declare an immense gratitude and many of whom believe that he saved their lives.
It's had criticism as being self-obsessed or narcissistic and she has also been accused of name-dropping. Considering it's a memoir, I think it is only to be expected that she writes about herself so I don't think that qualifies as self-obsessed. She also charts her problems and past failings in graphic detail which would be rather unusual for a narcissist. As for the accusations of name-dropping; yes, she does mention famous people she met and it's known that one of the characters in the book is Colin Farrell. I think it's relevant to the story though. Many of her thoughts and issues were ones that most people could relate to, but dating someone who is in the public eye definitely adds another dimension to it all. Being called fat and ugly by members of the public just because you're seeing someone they like can't be easy for anyone, and particularly if you have struggled with your emotions at times.
Ultimately, it's an homage to a wonderful therapist and a story of hope. Dr R had an unshakeable belief that she was redeemable and that she could learn better ways of living her life. She proved him right and survived it all to emerge a stronger person. That should give hope to anyone who is suffering and thinks that things will never get better.
I was fortunate enough to hear Emma read from the book at the Harbourfront Centre here in Toronto. She is tiny-very slim and petite and extremely pretty. She also speaks and reads very well. To top it all, she was incredibly gracious and sweet while signing copies after the reading-someone you'd like to be your friend. It helped me get over the jealousy that she is the same age as I am but so much more gifted...and younger looking! I really hope that the book does well-it's a story that should be told and she is talented and deserves continued success. It made me pensive, and then I picked up my phone and texted a few people to thank them for their help in the past. It reminded me of the importance of telling people how great they are right now. No regrets!
