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Adrift: Completely At Sea With Paranoid Schizophrenia
Set in London between 1973 and 1983, Adrift is a compelling true story portraying the way a husband's mental illness tragically destroys a happy marriage. It examines the agonising dilemma faced by his wife struggling to make sense of his baffling condition yet concerned for their young children and her own safety.
198 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 30, 2018
This 2014 memoir chronicles a decade of events beginning in 1973 as the author, a teacher of modern languages at a London comprehensive school, recounts her life with husband Vincent, a Jamaican carpenter who increasingly exhibits the signs of schizophrenia, becoming convinced that others are out to get him, especially his wife. Eventually, he begins hearing voices and becomes mentally and physically abusive to both his wife and children. He wavers over believing that he has serious behavioral issues that require professional help, as he voluntarily checks himself into the hospital for observation but leaves after only two days. Over time, he receives a modicum of help by attending counseling appointments, but his illness goes largely untreated.
Adrift is a harrowing read, especially for its scenes of domestic violence. It gradually approaches its main subject matter and for some readers, this early pace may be challenging. Adams emphasizes her sense of powerlessness against the inherent bureaucracy of institutions, as social services, law enforcement, and mental health professionals are all equally ineffective in providing Vincent the long-term help he needs. The author’s frustration is exacerbated because she has virtually no support system; she is estranged from her family at the time of these events and has few friends in whom to confide. Thus, her sense of isolation is palpable throughout the narrative. Especially compelling is the way Adams illustrates the swift progression of the illness and how it permeates every aspect of the couple’s lives to the point where they become strangers to one another: “He could no more relate to the way I felt than I could understand the mental anguish that he was going through.” It’s a captivating read throughout.
Copyright 2018 by US Review of Books
Adrift is a harrowing read, especially for its scenes of domestic violence. It gradually approaches its main subject matter and for some readers, this early pace may be challenging. Adams emphasizes her sense of powerlessness against the inherent bureaucracy of institutions, as social services, law enforcement, and mental health professionals are all equally ineffective in providing Vincent the long-term help he needs. The author’s frustration is exacerbated because she has virtually no support system; she is estranged from her family at the time of these events and has few friends in whom to confide. Thus, her sense of isolation is palpable throughout the narrative. Especially compelling is the way Adams illustrates the swift progression of the illness and how it permeates every aspect of the couple’s lives to the point where they become strangers to one another: “He could no more relate to the way I felt than I could understand the mental anguish that he was going through.” It’s a captivating read throughout.
Copyright 2018 by US Review of Books
December 23, 2017
A compelling memoir written from the deepest human sentiment. I couldn’t stop reading as I got more and more involved in the characters and their struggles. An amazing read. It has given me support and perspective as I go around my own journey. Thank you Nicki for sharing your story with the world. May her act of bravery inspire other people around the world to speak out and seek help when needed. It is never late.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews