Talking about mental health matters is so important in challenging stigma – so it’s no accident these issues are finding their way into fiction. Here are three novels I’ve enjoyed that deal overtly with mental health issues such as agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and self harm through cutting. Make sure you check them out and don’t forget to friend me on Goodreads!
1) Binary Witness by Rosie Claverton
The Amy Lane Mysteries is set in Cardiff, though agoraphobic Amy rarely leaves her flat. Amy is sharp, yet vulnerable and her “will they, won’t they?” relationship with blokey ex-con Jason seemingly unlikely, yet 100% on the button. Author Rosie Claverton is a psychiatrist, so as you might imagine her research is immaculate and Amy is a really convincing heroine with mental health problems who never seems “tragic” or two dimensional. Read my whole review, HERE and check out Rosie’s interview on Criminally Good, HERE.
2) Into The Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes
A well researched insight into obsessive compulsive disorder, this novel draws on domestic abuse and victim blaming. There are strong parallels here between “why don’t you just stop” and “why don’t you just leave” that work so well. The characters are well-rounded: it would have been easy for the antagonist to become a “comic book villain”. A remarkable debut and very much recommended. Read my whole review, HERE.
3) Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Everyone’s read GONE GIRL, but in some ways it’s Flynn’s first novel that’s more powerful. A story encompassing a supposed rural idyll and dysfunctional family, its heroine Camille is truly riveting. It can be hardgoing at times with its talk of self harm, but so authentic. Read my whole review, HERE.
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