REVIEWJournal of an Urban Robinson Crusoe, London and Brightonby Des MarshallThe diary of an outsiderPublished in paperback by Saxon Books 120 pages ISBN 0 9528969 3 1 Price £6-99
"Des Marshall's book must become required reading for anyone; researcher, clinician or lay person trying to understand depression. Des has a depressive disorder, but tries to live his life according to the rhythms and conventions of normal life. FICTION OR REALITY? Des is not a fictional character, though the reader may sometimes forget that as they become immersed in the subtle mixture of pathos, wit and beauty which characterises Des's writings. Des describes day to day events, rising in the morning, getting a bus, chance interactions, all mixed with a heavy dose of melancholic introspection. This is done in the form of an occasional journal. He articulates the crippling effect depression has on his life in a manner which, to my knowledge, has no parallel in either literature or non-fiction. TRIGGERS OF DEPRESSION The masterstroke is how he relates the depression to the urban environment, to the everyday, and how he cogently describes how external events can trigger psychological swings. AN INSIDE STORY It is a short book, eminently readable, and whilst there are many books on the causes, treatments and consequences of depression, Des' book is unique in that it looks at depression, from an insiders point of view. Anyone who thinks they know about depression, but has never experienced the disorder, or simply would like to know more, should read this book." Rob Whitley, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London Journal of an Urban Robinson Crusoe by Des Marshall is published by Saxon Books at £6-99
Published in paperback by Saxon Books 120 pages ISBN 0 9528969 3 1 Price £6-99 Biography/Psychology Available from all bookshops and libraries worldwide. In case of difficulty contact the UK distributors, Vine House Distribution Ltd. DISTRIBUTION by Vine House Distribution Ltd, UK PHONE 01825 723 398 (FAX 01825 724 1888) To send in your own review of Journal of an Urban Robinson Crusoe please write to our email address info@warpoetry.co.uk |
