Sunday, September 28, 2008

Book Review: Girl, Interrupted

After seeing the movie (long ago and I barely remember it!), this book wasn't what I expected. The movie, as I recall, had a storyline and developed characters while the book was snippets of the author's recollection of her time in a mental hospital. The characters were flat and I couldn't decide if I sympathized for the main character Susanna.

The only aspect of the book I really appreciated was in the end when she looked back and picked apart her diagnoses of "borderline personality" and questioned if there had really been a problem with her beyond those of a fairly normal emotional teenage girl. She clearly feels there is a difference between someone with, say, schizophrenia and someone with issues that can't be as clearly defined such as "borderline personality". I have to say I agree. And from a Christian perspective, I am of the opinion that there are times when chemicals in the brain aren't as they should be and cause problems in the same way skin develops acne, cancer presents itself in various organs, or eyes become nearsighted. On the other hand, some of the conditions that are considered mental problems can also be spiritual. I think it is tricky to maintain a balanced view of mental conditions for many Christians.

I'm not really sure how this book came to be made into a movie. Some books simply scream to become movies; this one did not. If you're interested in the subject of mental hospitals and mental illness, especially in the late 60's, you might enjoy this book. Otherwise, skip to something more interesting.

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5 comments:

  1. I didn't even know it was a movie, but honestly, I'm a little bit of a movie illiterate since I've had kids. It's not been a priority.

    Thanks for being honest in your review. It really helps me in making decisions on what is worth my time in picking up or not.

    Hope the other night went well.

    ~ Kayren

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  2. I gave you an award over on my blog, so drop by and pick it up. I split you guys up and gave it to you individually because it includes listing some things.

    ~ Kayren

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  3. I didn't know it was a movie but think I will check the book out cuz I'm needing another fiction since I just dubbed one of mine a dud! I agree with your perpective on mental illness...a very difficult balance indeed!

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  4. I remember seeing the movie advertised, but honestly didn't have a desire to see it. Thanks for the review...I'll definitely skip the book for sure now

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  5. Thanks for the review. I saw the movie on cable and ended up turning it off halfway through - the way she was treated by different people irked me. I probably wouldn't like the book either. Good job!

    Robin of mytwoblessings

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