• Interview by Louise Russell in The Eastern Courier, October 1, 2008:

• Review by Jen Baker in SA50s+ vol 1 issue 3:

Marianne Broug’s book is a collection of interviews involving 17 people suffering from mental illness. Each individual relates their own personal story and inspirational journey including torment, and their coping mechanisms and survival journey. The author’s questions take the format of conversation in a non-threatening manner. She revisits pertinent points of significance to encourage further discussion. Reading this book, it was this reviewer’s understanding that a common theme was the intense pain and suffering experienced along all their personal journeys. At their lowest point, they all found insight and strength of character to rise up against their plight enabling each individual to empower themselves. There were a number of common denominators such as childhood trauma appeared to surface often. Some had no support from either family and/or friends. The mental health system also let them down. Society still has very little understanding of the afflicted. Sufferers often are relegated to the ‘too hard basket’ and shunned by society.

The interviewees stated they wished to be listened to and understood. This book is a portrayal of the difficulties faced by those with mental illness. The writing format is in interview style, which enables the reader to relate easily to each individual’s situation. Broug’s book makes for compelling reading and is an honest representation of what it is really like to be labelled as having a mental illness. There is so much to be learned from their experiences. Clearly it is we who should learn from them!