Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen

Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen

Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen is a powerful memoir that recounts the author's experiences during her two-year stay at a psychiatric hospital in the 1960s. At the age of 18, Kaysen was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and institutionalized. Through her candid and often unsettling narrative, Kaysen reflects on the nature of mental illness, the ambiguity of psychiatric diagnoses, and the institutional structures that control those deemed “unwell.” Set against the backdrop of the era’s evolving views on mental health, Girl, Interrupted is both a deeply personal account and a sharp critique of the mental health system.

Why You'll Love This Book
Girl, Interrupted offers readers an intimate look at life inside a psychiatric hospital, delivered with wit, honesty, and introspection. Susanna Kaysen’s vivid portrayal of the people she meets and the struggles she faces resonates with anyone interested in mental health, personal memoirs, or stories about navigating the complexities of identity. The book's emotional depth and unflinching examination of societal norms around mental illness make it an enduring and thought-provoking read.