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Menzies Mental Health #2
The Oasis
By the bestselling authors of The Glass House, Anne Buist & Graeme Simsion, the second novel in the groundbreaking Menzies Mental Health series
Trainee psychiatrist Doctor Hannah Wright has only just gotten her head above water in the acute psychiatric ward at Menzies Hospital when she's thrown into the deep end of the outpatient clinic. Keen to develop her skills in talking therapies, she finds herself up against a boss who's convinced medication is the answer and a senior colleague with a score to settle.
Hannah's fellow first-years face problems of their on-and-off flame Alex is being bullied, Ndidi's marriage is in trouble, Jon feels isolated and Carey is concerned their autism will be a career barrier.
While Hannah comes under pressure to seek therapy herself to confront a traumatic past, her patients' health issues range from OCD to ice addiction, childhood abuse to the mental impact of ageing, and from bad parenting to bad genes. They all come to the Oasis.
Written with great humanity and humour, Australian psychiatrist Anne Buist and internationally bestselling author Graeme Simsion (The Rosie Project) welcome us into the world of mental health with compassion and insight.
Praise for The Glass House
'A masterfully told, character-driven novel that will have you laughing and crying in equal measures' THE AUSTRALIAN
'A deeply empathetic, humanising portrait of a mental health facility, and the souls that pass through it' THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S WEEKLY
'Stunning . . . So timely' DAILY TELEGRAPH
'Absorbing' INSTYLE AUSTRALIA
'A darn good read' LIVING ARTS CANBERRA
'Brings alive the frontline of mental health care' PROFESSOR PATRICK MCGORRY AO, AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR 2010
'Overflows with compassion, insight and humour' MEREDITH JAFFÉ
'Gripping, rich and insightful' ARIANE BEESTON, author of Because I'm Not Myself, You See
'Anne Buist skilfully writes from her own experiences and co-author Graeme Simsion adds his inimitable Rosie Project style. An honest, sensitive look into mental health care in Australia' PROFESSOR JAYASHRI KULKARNI AM, Psychiatrist, Monash University
Trainee psychiatrist Doctor Hannah Wright has only just gotten her head above water in the acute psychiatric ward at Menzies Hospital when she's thrown into the deep end of the outpatient clinic. Keen to develop her skills in talking therapies, she finds herself up against a boss who's convinced medication is the answer and a senior colleague with a score to settle.
Hannah's fellow first-years face problems of their on-and-off flame Alex is being bullied, Ndidi's marriage is in trouble, Jon feels isolated and Carey is concerned their autism will be a career barrier.
While Hannah comes under pressure to seek therapy herself to confront a traumatic past, her patients' health issues range from OCD to ice addiction, childhood abuse to the mental impact of ageing, and from bad parenting to bad genes. They all come to the Oasis.
Written with great humanity and humour, Australian psychiatrist Anne Buist and internationally bestselling author Graeme Simsion (The Rosie Project) welcome us into the world of mental health with compassion and insight.
Praise for The Glass House
'A masterfully told, character-driven novel that will have you laughing and crying in equal measures' THE AUSTRALIAN
'A deeply empathetic, humanising portrait of a mental health facility, and the souls that pass through it' THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S WEEKLY
'Stunning . . . So timely' DAILY TELEGRAPH
'Absorbing' INSTYLE AUSTRALIA
'A darn good read' LIVING ARTS CANBERRA
'Brings alive the frontline of mental health care' PROFESSOR PATRICK MCGORRY AO, AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR 2010
'Overflows with compassion, insight and humour' MEREDITH JAFFÉ
'Gripping, rich and insightful' ARIANE BEESTON, author of Because I'm Not Myself, You See
'Anne Buist skilfully writes from her own experiences and co-author Graeme Simsion adds his inimitable Rosie Project style. An honest, sensitive look into mental health care in Australia' PROFESSOR JAYASHRI KULKARNI AM, Psychiatrist, Monash University
368 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2025
106 people are currently reading
981 people want to read
About the author
Anne Buist
17 books157 followersAnne Buist is the Chair of Women’s Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and has over 25 years clinical and research experience in perinatal psychiatry. She works with Protective Services and the legal system in cases of abuse, kidnapping, infanticide and murder. Medea’s Curse is her first mainstream psychological thriller.
Professor Buist is married to novelist Graeme Simsion and has two children.
Professor Buist is married to novelist Graeme Simsion and has two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
May 6, 2025
This is the second book in the Menzies Mental Health series. Having really enjoyed book one The Glass House I was keen to read this one too and I was not disappointed.
We meet up again with Doctor Hannah Wright, trainee psychiatrist in the Acute Psychiatric Ward at the Menzies Hospital. As with the first book this one is written as a series of cases and their issues, plus the personal problems Hannah and her trainee friends have in their own everyday lives. It is all very real and totally engaging.
Many questions are raised about how psychiatry is practiced in our hospitals and the possibilities of success or failure. Sometimes a course of therapy works and sometimes the only treatment is ongoing medication. There is drama in the book and tears, but there is also humour and laughter. The way the book is written ensures that you keep reading long after you should have turned out the light and gone to sleep.
All in all another brilliant read. Looking forward to more!
We meet up again with Doctor Hannah Wright, trainee psychiatrist in the Acute Psychiatric Ward at the Menzies Hospital. As with the first book this one is written as a series of cases and their issues, plus the personal problems Hannah and her trainee friends have in their own everyday lives. It is all very real and totally engaging.
Many questions are raised about how psychiatry is practiced in our hospitals and the possibilities of success or failure. Sometimes a course of therapy works and sometimes the only treatment is ongoing medication. There is drama in the book and tears, but there is also humour and laughter. The way the book is written ensures that you keep reading long after you should have turned out the light and gone to sleep.
All in all another brilliant read. Looking forward to more!
March 1, 2025
EXCERPT: I recognise him before I see him: the booming voice of Max Kennedy KC is unmistakable. He's a barrister with bipolar disorder who did a stint - a memorable stint - in Acute before transferring to a private hospital.
He's standing behind bars in a barren room: dishevelled, shirt inside out. His pants are missing a belt and sinking dangerously low below his substantial belly. There's a guy in the cell opposite who looks like he's trying to sleep off last night's bender - I think it's him I can smell, but I can't be sure Max's hygiene is up to scratch either.
'Good heavens,' says Max. 'It's the adorable Doctor Quatro!'
The name he gave me in acute. Apparently I remind him of a rock singer from his teenage years.
'Max . . . have you stopped taking your lithium?'
I feel a moment of therapeutic nihilism. We thought we'd convinced him to stay on the drug that keeps him stable enough to hold onto his job and his relationship.
'Dear doctor, don't despair! Devilishly difficult dilemma: damned if I do and damned if I don't.'
This could take a while.
'Definitely dreadful. Drug doing damage. Careering creatinine killing the kidneys!'
'You had to stop the lithium?' I interrupt Max's affirmative, alliterative - and annoyingly long - reply. 'What are you taking instead?'
'A cocktail, dear doctor, dear doctor, dear doctor. A lavishing of lamotrigine, a steady stream of Seroquel and a dash of diazepam.'
I wonder if he's amping it up to get off the driving charges.
'What were you doing when the police picked you up?'
'Followed the police car through the intersection. All those cars stopped and waiting - I'd have been a fool not to take advantage. Don't think the police liked me getting ahead of them. Malicious prosecution.' Max beams. 'Took the shortcut through the park.'
ABOUT 'THE OASIS': Trainee psychiatrist Doctor Hannah Wright has only just got her head above water in the acute psychiatric ward at Menzies Hospital when she's thrown into the deep end of the outpatient clinic. Keen to develop her skills in talking therapies, she finds herself up against a boss who's focused on medication and a senior colleague with a score to settle.
Hannah's fellow first-years face problems of their on-and-off flame Alex is being bullied, Ndidi's marriage is in trouble, Jon feels isolated and Carey is concerned their autism will be a career barrier.
While Hannah comes under pressure to seek therapy herself to confront a traumatic past, her patients' health issues range from OCD to ice addiction, childhood abuse to the mental impact of ageing, and from bad parenting to bad genes. They all come to the Oasis.
MY THOUGHTS: While trainee psychiatrist Hannah Wright learned heaps in the Acute Unit (her experiences are written about in The Glass House), the work she is doing in the Outpatient Clinic is closer to where she sees her future.
I really like Hannah. I like the way she listens and guides patients to their own conclusions rather than just writing out a script and ushering them out the door. She strikes a nice balance between the two: trying to get to the root of the problem, trying not to return the patient to the same set of circumstances that has contributed to their illness but not afraid to prescribe medication to help alleviate the symptoms or their distress.
The thing about psychiatry is that there are no quick fixes, often no fixes at all, just a maintenance program that keeps the patient as well and as able to take back as much of their lives as possible. It takes a team of people to do this and should involve the family/friends of the patient as much as possible. These are the people who have day to day contact with the patient and who are usually first to notice that things may be going wrong - as long as they are not part of the problem of course! - which they often are.
Kudos to Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion for their accuracy in the portrayal of various mental illnesses and their treatments and for their honesty about the barriers the staff face in trying to care for their patients.
Another brilliant ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read from this talented pair.
#TheOasis #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHORS: Anne Buist is the Chair of Women’s Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and has over 25 years clinical and research experience in perinatal psychiatry. She works with Protective Services and the legal system in cases of abuse, kidnapping, infanticide and murder.
Professor Buist is married to novelist Graeme Simsion and has two children.
Graeme Simsion lives in Melbourne with Anne, and is a frequent traveller, walker, jogger, and drinker of wine and cocktails. He is active in amplifying autistic voices through books, events and social media and has spoken at autism conferences and seminars.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Hachette Australia & New Zealand via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Oasis by Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
He's standing behind bars in a barren room: dishevelled, shirt inside out. His pants are missing a belt and sinking dangerously low below his substantial belly. There's a guy in the cell opposite who looks like he's trying to sleep off last night's bender - I think it's him I can smell, but I can't be sure Max's hygiene is up to scratch either.
'Good heavens,' says Max. 'It's the adorable Doctor Quatro!'
The name he gave me in acute. Apparently I remind him of a rock singer from his teenage years.
'Max . . . have you stopped taking your lithium?'
I feel a moment of therapeutic nihilism. We thought we'd convinced him to stay on the drug that keeps him stable enough to hold onto his job and his relationship.
'Dear doctor, don't despair! Devilishly difficult dilemma: damned if I do and damned if I don't.'
This could take a while.
'Definitely dreadful. Drug doing damage. Careering creatinine killing the kidneys!'
'You had to stop the lithium?' I interrupt Max's affirmative, alliterative - and annoyingly long - reply. 'What are you taking instead?'
'A cocktail, dear doctor, dear doctor, dear doctor. A lavishing of lamotrigine, a steady stream of Seroquel and a dash of diazepam.'
I wonder if he's amping it up to get off the driving charges.
'What were you doing when the police picked you up?'
'Followed the police car through the intersection. All those cars stopped and waiting - I'd have been a fool not to take advantage. Don't think the police liked me getting ahead of them. Malicious prosecution.' Max beams. 'Took the shortcut through the park.'
ABOUT 'THE OASIS': Trainee psychiatrist Doctor Hannah Wright has only just got her head above water in the acute psychiatric ward at Menzies Hospital when she's thrown into the deep end of the outpatient clinic. Keen to develop her skills in talking therapies, she finds herself up against a boss who's focused on medication and a senior colleague with a score to settle.
Hannah's fellow first-years face problems of their on-and-off flame Alex is being bullied, Ndidi's marriage is in trouble, Jon feels isolated and Carey is concerned their autism will be a career barrier.
While Hannah comes under pressure to seek therapy herself to confront a traumatic past, her patients' health issues range from OCD to ice addiction, childhood abuse to the mental impact of ageing, and from bad parenting to bad genes. They all come to the Oasis.
MY THOUGHTS: While trainee psychiatrist Hannah Wright learned heaps in the Acute Unit (her experiences are written about in The Glass House), the work she is doing in the Outpatient Clinic is closer to where she sees her future.
I really like Hannah. I like the way she listens and guides patients to their own conclusions rather than just writing out a script and ushering them out the door. She strikes a nice balance between the two: trying to get to the root of the problem, trying not to return the patient to the same set of circumstances that has contributed to their illness but not afraid to prescribe medication to help alleviate the symptoms or their distress.
The thing about psychiatry is that there are no quick fixes, often no fixes at all, just a maintenance program that keeps the patient as well and as able to take back as much of their lives as possible. It takes a team of people to do this and should involve the family/friends of the patient as much as possible. These are the people who have day to day contact with the patient and who are usually first to notice that things may be going wrong - as long as they are not part of the problem of course! - which they often are.
Kudos to Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion for their accuracy in the portrayal of various mental illnesses and their treatments and for their honesty about the barriers the staff face in trying to care for their patients.
Another brilliant ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read from this talented pair.
#TheOasis #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHORS: Anne Buist is the Chair of Women’s Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and has over 25 years clinical and research experience in perinatal psychiatry. She works with Protective Services and the legal system in cases of abuse, kidnapping, infanticide and murder.
Professor Buist is married to novelist Graeme Simsion and has two children.
Graeme Simsion lives in Melbourne with Anne, and is a frequent traveller, walker, jogger, and drinker of wine and cocktails. He is active in amplifying autistic voices through books, events and social media and has spoken at autism conferences and seminars.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Hachette Australia & New Zealand via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Oasis by Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 24, 2024
“Psychiatry is about sitting with things that are far from perfect. Our patients have often done that all their lives, long before the onset of mental illness. We are their role models. We do the best we can. But we’re not going to win every battle.”
The Oasis is the second book in the Menzies Mental Health series by best-selling husband and wife writing team, Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion. Most chapters are prefaced by a description of the episode that brings a patient to the attention of Menzies Mental Health Team, or a particular incident in the lives of the staff at Menzies Mental Health. That person’s issues are explored, along with ongoing matters, both professional, practical, and personal.
Having gained entry into the Psychiatric training program, Hannah Wright is now a registrar at The Stables, the outpatient clinic of Menzies Mental Health. Concern from the Prof that past experiences may affect her clinical judgement has her finally agreeing to see a therapist to help her deal with unresolved issues from her own childhood trauma. Although, easier said than done…
Hannah encounters a wide variety of patients and conditions, both at the clinic (eventually renamed as the more friendly The Oasis) and on the road with the Critical Assessment & Treatment Team (CATT).
Among those she sees, there are very few quick fixes: the patient almost driven to suicide by the chronic pain, to whom successive practitioners have failed to listen properly, and failed to explain the rationale for certain medications, might be one; perhaps the young man whose treated psychosis is exacerbated by methamphetamine use, and gets a wake-up call when he seriously (if unintentionally) injures his mother, is another; and her non-binary colleague on the autism spectrum comes up with a laterally-thought-out practical solution for getting her philosophy professor incapacitated by severe OCD to therapy.
The anxious treen who runs away from a strict religious family turns out to have more going on that Hannah realises; she wonders if the young woman with borderline personality disorder will ever escape her dysfunctional, toxic, family; both of them strike a chord with Hannah.
A rising star in the electronic music scene comes up against the dinosaur in charge of the Extended Stay Unit, until her biggest fan stages an escape. Her colleague Jon observes that often community treatment orders are issued without a lot of thought, to make sure the patient does what’s good for them, without ever really thinking about how that must feel for the patient: “… the bigger issue of people in power thinking they know what’s best for others.”
Diagnosing the young mother whose husband thinks she’s having an affair is a challenge; is the sixty-four-year-old History teacher, who claims to have been a cold-war spy, delusional, like his colleague thinks? Some cases are hopeful, others heart-breaking, and the brick walls Hannah hits around the couple focussed on IVF, gob-smacking. Sometimes, as with the young mother distressed by emerging memories, they are trying to repair the damage done by quacks.
While The Oasis can be read as a stand-alone, readers should be aware that, as a sequel to The Glasshouse, many characters and cases from that book reappear here, and there are, inevitably, spoilers. Some readers may find the large cast of characters a bit overwhelming, so many balls in the air at once, but this reflects the reality that mental health professionals in training must deal with every day: “The problem of trying to do everything. We want to improve out skills, qualify … And do the paperwork, hit the KPIs, have a life.”
This is also a novel that reminds us that those practitioners charged with the treatment of the ill and vulnerable are themselves human, and despite thorough training and expertise, may be plagued by very human flaws and failings, and their perceptions, attitudes and reactions to their patients’ presenting symptoms may be coloured by their own history.
The banter between the characters is often entertaining; some of the dialogue, and a few last lines (like “a big platter of anchovy toasts”, and “Rosemary’s Baby”) are laugh-out-loud, if blackly, funny. Of course, Buist’s background gives each aspect of the story a ring of authenticity, so this portrayal of mental illness and its treatment, and of the mental-health system, is wholly credible, but also topical, laced with humour and quite thought-provoking.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Hachette Australia.
The Oasis is the second book in the Menzies Mental Health series by best-selling husband and wife writing team, Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion. Most chapters are prefaced by a description of the episode that brings a patient to the attention of Menzies Mental Health Team, or a particular incident in the lives of the staff at Menzies Mental Health. That person’s issues are explored, along with ongoing matters, both professional, practical, and personal.
Having gained entry into the Psychiatric training program, Hannah Wright is now a registrar at The Stables, the outpatient clinic of Menzies Mental Health. Concern from the Prof that past experiences may affect her clinical judgement has her finally agreeing to see a therapist to help her deal with unresolved issues from her own childhood trauma. Although, easier said than done…
Hannah encounters a wide variety of patients and conditions, both at the clinic (eventually renamed as the more friendly The Oasis) and on the road with the Critical Assessment & Treatment Team (CATT).
Among those she sees, there are very few quick fixes: the patient almost driven to suicide by the chronic pain, to whom successive practitioners have failed to listen properly, and failed to explain the rationale for certain medications, might be one; perhaps the young man whose treated psychosis is exacerbated by methamphetamine use, and gets a wake-up call when he seriously (if unintentionally) injures his mother, is another; and her non-binary colleague on the autism spectrum comes up with a laterally-thought-out practical solution for getting her philosophy professor incapacitated by severe OCD to therapy.
The anxious treen who runs away from a strict religious family turns out to have more going on that Hannah realises; she wonders if the young woman with borderline personality disorder will ever escape her dysfunctional, toxic, family; both of them strike a chord with Hannah.
A rising star in the electronic music scene comes up against the dinosaur in charge of the Extended Stay Unit, until her biggest fan stages an escape. Her colleague Jon observes that often community treatment orders are issued without a lot of thought, to make sure the patient does what’s good for them, without ever really thinking about how that must feel for the patient: “… the bigger issue of people in power thinking they know what’s best for others.”
Diagnosing the young mother whose husband thinks she’s having an affair is a challenge; is the sixty-four-year-old History teacher, who claims to have been a cold-war spy, delusional, like his colleague thinks? Some cases are hopeful, others heart-breaking, and the brick walls Hannah hits around the couple focussed on IVF, gob-smacking. Sometimes, as with the young mother distressed by emerging memories, they are trying to repair the damage done by quacks.
While The Oasis can be read as a stand-alone, readers should be aware that, as a sequel to The Glasshouse, many characters and cases from that book reappear here, and there are, inevitably, spoilers. Some readers may find the large cast of characters a bit overwhelming, so many balls in the air at once, but this reflects the reality that mental health professionals in training must deal with every day: “The problem of trying to do everything. We want to improve out skills, qualify … And do the paperwork, hit the KPIs, have a life.”
This is also a novel that reminds us that those practitioners charged with the treatment of the ill and vulnerable are themselves human, and despite thorough training and expertise, may be plagued by very human flaws and failings, and their perceptions, attitudes and reactions to their patients’ presenting symptoms may be coloured by their own history.
The banter between the characters is often entertaining; some of the dialogue, and a few last lines (like “a big platter of anchovy toasts”, and “Rosemary’s Baby”) are laugh-out-loud, if blackly, funny. Of course, Buist’s background gives each aspect of the story a ring of authenticity, so this portrayal of mental illness and its treatment, and of the mental-health system, is wholly credible, but also topical, laced with humour and quite thought-provoking.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Hachette Australia.
March 14, 2025
This is the 2nd book in the Menzies Mental Health series, written by Australians Anne Buist (a practising psychiatrist, specialising in women's mental health) and her husband, Graeme Simsion (author of the Don Tillman Series Collection 3 Books Set By Graeme Simsion). Whereas the fist book (The Glass House focused mostly on the patients at the Mental Health Centre and was filled with humour, this second book is much drier and focusses more on the mental health system itself, and the professionals working at the Centre. Several mental health issues are mentioned and spotlighted so, if you're not at all interested in this area of medicine, this book likely isn't for you.
The main character in both books is Dr. Hannah Wright. At the end of The Glass House, she successfully completed a 2-year specialty rotation. The Oasis begins as Hannah starts her psychiatry training. A note about triggers: Suicide is a prominent feature in BOTH books in this series.
3.5 rounded to 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The main character in both books is Dr. Hannah Wright. At the end of The Glass House, she successfully completed a 2-year specialty rotation. The Oasis begins as Hannah starts her psychiatry training. A note about triggers: Suicide is a prominent feature in BOTH books in this series.
3.5 rounded to 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 1, 2025
My rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Loved it!! Beautifully written, real and raw and will be close to home for many!!!
The second novel in the Menzies Mental Health series, where we follow Trainee Psychiatrist Dr Hannah Wright. She has only just got her head above water in the acute psychiatric ward when she is thrown into the deep end in the outpatient clinic.
This brings many different challenges her way and she is keen to develop of skills in talking therapies, she finds herself up against a boss who is focussed on medication and a colleague with a score to settle.
All the first year friends are facing problems, Hannah’s on and off flame is being bullied, Ndidi’s marriage is in trouble, Jon feels isolated and Carey is concerned their autism will be a career barrier. While Hannah is under pressure to get therapy for her traumatic past.
The patients mental health battles range from OCD to ice addiction, childhood abuse to the mental impact of ageing, from bad parenting to bad genes.
They all come to and are welcome at the Oasis.
So, I am back with this series and I am a little late to the review on this one… but I wanted to be in the right headspace to enjoy it and I really did. I loved the first book, I thought about it often over the last year. So when I saw this one was coming out I jumped onto it. I always get nervous for a sequel to a 5 star book that it might not live up to my expectations but I needn’t have worried. Recommended to be read in order!!
This is beautifully and thoughtfully written, we have a lot of the same characters from the first book of course including Hannah who I love. She is real and she is flawed and she is doing her best for her friends, her patients and herself. But that comes with its own trials and tribulations. She is battling personal childhood trauma but unsure how to deal with it or who to see… as a mental health professional it isn’t so easy to find someone to sort out your own mental health.
Her friends are back and they are all experiencing life and drama and the pain of just going through the motions. This book much like the first one is written in a way that is relatable especially if you have or know someone with mental health issues no matter how big or small they are. There are people from all walks of life in here… nature over nurture, physical issues that cause mental health and really severe psychological medical issues.
My heart bled for some of the patients, some of the families and some of the doctors… everyone is mostly just doing their best in life and you can see this playing out on the pages of this book. These stories while “fictional” will be someone’s story somewhere. I can see myself and my life written out (not word for word) but in the pages of this book, some of my life drams and health issues are those of the the patients or characters of this story. So while yes its fiction it will resonate with so many of you.
Just a disclaimer if you haven’t already realised it… I am a thriller reader mostly, this is not that this is LitFic (like the first novel) and it is very character driven. If you are expecting thrills and spills then this is not the book. This is very real and raw and at times uncomfortable because lets be honest… so is life. Things are not always easy and they wont always be fun and happy… this is a story about day to day in the face of adversity, difference and a society that doesn’t always accept or want you around.
That is not to say this is depressing there are some funny and fun times in this book as well which is what makes this so true to life for me. You can be suffering major depressive disorder but still have a laugh and good day and a great time. I think these books go a long way to helping break down some of the stigma in Mental Health and I recommend them to people who might even be just perusing this thinking… hmm maybe. What have you got to lose.
The setting is Australia and as an Australian (and I said this in my first review) I generally don’t read close to home… but it works for me. It is familiar while in another state to me.. but our medical system is pretty standard across the country and this is played out in this book.
I can’t walk away from this review without commending the writing, it is just beautiful and I am not hand held throughout this novel. I have to wait for conclusions and for things to play out and be tied together. Because it does and it will but you don’t get it spoon fed to you and I love that. Each chapter begins with a dilemma and you start off with someone’s episode or issue but you don’t know who and you don’t know what is going to happen, then it flips to Hannah (usually) and then the story plays out and somewhere along the line Hannah comes into contact with the person we met in the first paragraph and we learn more.
In the end the story is tied up, not ended but you learn how these people are going about their lives and why we learnt about them. I love this… and again this book doesn’t end Happily Ever After, it doesn’t end at all… because its life and its not over until its over and even then its not over for everyone all at once.
I will say this (and I said this in my last review) pleeeease let there be more… I know Graeme wrote me back in my comments and told me there would be at least two books… Graeme let’s make it AT LEAST 3… but you know I will ask for more !!!
Overall, will you like it… depends if you like this kind of book and if the subject matter is interesting to you and not too triggering. This is written in a really thoughtful way so I think there is something here for everyone. But if you don’t like character driven books maybe not.
Shout out to Rosh I don’t know if you have read the first one but would love to see what you think of this series (my opinion must read in order). Carol I think you might like these as well!!!
I want to sincerely thank NetGalley, Hachette Australia and Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion for allowing me an advanced copy in order to give this book an honest but glowing review. These books have such beautiful stories and such beautiful covers that I will be getting copies for my shelf as well.
The second novel in the Menzies Mental Health series, where we follow Trainee Psychiatrist Dr Hannah Wright. She has only just got her head above water in the acute psychiatric ward when she is thrown into the deep end in the outpatient clinic.
This brings many different challenges her way and she is keen to develop of skills in talking therapies, she finds herself up against a boss who is focussed on medication and a colleague with a score to settle.
All the first year friends are facing problems, Hannah’s on and off flame is being bullied, Ndidi’s marriage is in trouble, Jon feels isolated and Carey is concerned their autism will be a career barrier. While Hannah is under pressure to get therapy for her traumatic past.
The patients mental health battles range from OCD to ice addiction, childhood abuse to the mental impact of ageing, from bad parenting to bad genes.
They all come to and are welcome at the Oasis.
So, I am back with this series and I am a little late to the review on this one… but I wanted to be in the right headspace to enjoy it and I really did. I loved the first book, I thought about it often over the last year. So when I saw this one was coming out I jumped onto it. I always get nervous for a sequel to a 5 star book that it might not live up to my expectations but I needn’t have worried. Recommended to be read in order!!
This is beautifully and thoughtfully written, we have a lot of the same characters from the first book of course including Hannah who I love. She is real and she is flawed and she is doing her best for her friends, her patients and herself. But that comes with its own trials and tribulations. She is battling personal childhood trauma but unsure how to deal with it or who to see… as a mental health professional it isn’t so easy to find someone to sort out your own mental health.
Her friends are back and they are all experiencing life and drama and the pain of just going through the motions. This book much like the first one is written in a way that is relatable especially if you have or know someone with mental health issues no matter how big or small they are. There are people from all walks of life in here… nature over nurture, physical issues that cause mental health and really severe psychological medical issues.
My heart bled for some of the patients, some of the families and some of the doctors… everyone is mostly just doing their best in life and you can see this playing out on the pages of this book. These stories while “fictional” will be someone’s story somewhere. I can see myself and my life written out (not word for word) but in the pages of this book, some of my life drams and health issues are those of the the patients or characters of this story. So while yes its fiction it will resonate with so many of you.
Just a disclaimer if you haven’t already realised it… I am a thriller reader mostly, this is not that this is LitFic (like the first novel) and it is very character driven. If you are expecting thrills and spills then this is not the book. This is very real and raw and at times uncomfortable because lets be honest… so is life. Things are not always easy and they wont always be fun and happy… this is a story about day to day in the face of adversity, difference and a society that doesn’t always accept or want you around.
That is not to say this is depressing there are some funny and fun times in this book as well which is what makes this so true to life for me. You can be suffering major depressive disorder but still have a laugh and good day and a great time. I think these books go a long way to helping break down some of the stigma in Mental Health and I recommend them to people who might even be just perusing this thinking… hmm maybe. What have you got to lose.
The setting is Australia and as an Australian (and I said this in my first review) I generally don’t read close to home… but it works for me. It is familiar while in another state to me.. but our medical system is pretty standard across the country and this is played out in this book.
I can’t walk away from this review without commending the writing, it is just beautiful and I am not hand held throughout this novel. I have to wait for conclusions and for things to play out and be tied together. Because it does and it will but you don’t get it spoon fed to you and I love that. Each chapter begins with a dilemma and you start off with someone’s episode or issue but you don’t know who and you don’t know what is going to happen, then it flips to Hannah (usually) and then the story plays out and somewhere along the line Hannah comes into contact with the person we met in the first paragraph and we learn more.
In the end the story is tied up, not ended but you learn how these people are going about their lives and why we learnt about them. I love this… and again this book doesn’t end Happily Ever After, it doesn’t end at all… because its life and its not over until its over and even then its not over for everyone all at once.
I will say this (and I said this in my last review) pleeeease let there be more… I know Graeme wrote me back in my comments and told me there would be at least two books… Graeme let’s make it AT LEAST 3… but you know I will ask for more !!!
Overall, will you like it… depends if you like this kind of book and if the subject matter is interesting to you and not too triggering. This is written in a really thoughtful way so I think there is something here for everyone. But if you don’t like character driven books maybe not.
Shout out to Rosh I don’t know if you have read the first one but would love to see what you think of this series (my opinion must read in order). Carol I think you might like these as well!!!
I want to sincerely thank NetGalley, Hachette Australia and Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion for allowing me an advanced copy in order to give this book an honest but glowing review. These books have such beautiful stories and such beautiful covers that I will be getting copies for my shelf as well.
August 4, 2025
3.75 stars
ARC review
The Oasis is the second instalment in the Menzies Mental Health series following trainee psychiatrist Hannah Wright, this time in the outpatient mental health clinic. This book delves much deeper into Hannah’s past and trauma, and how she needs to work to overcome these barriers to be the best physician she can be.
The Oasis shares a new range of great patient stories, plus some continuing storylines from The Glass House which I particularly enjoyed. Hannah’s colleagues also reappear but I would say the team building and their relationships take a backseat for the most part. As someone who doesn’t work in the medical profession, I really liked the way these two books compare different aspects of mental health treatment in a way that is easy to understand and engaging! The authors do a great job of combining their knowledge and experience to create a series that brings a new perspective to a common setting.
I would say I liked this book ever so slightly less than The Glass House, just because it was less patient-focused which was my favourite part. I also still feel kind Hannah is under-developed as a protagonist - I know a lot about what she’s done and what has happened to her throughout her life - but I couldn’t describe her confidently in 3 words which feels like an issue.
I still definitely recommend this series and I will continue if there are more books to come!
ARC review
The Oasis is the second instalment in the Menzies Mental Health series following trainee psychiatrist Hannah Wright, this time in the outpatient mental health clinic. This book delves much deeper into Hannah’s past and trauma, and how she needs to work to overcome these barriers to be the best physician she can be.
The Oasis shares a new range of great patient stories, plus some continuing storylines from The Glass House which I particularly enjoyed. Hannah’s colleagues also reappear but I would say the team building and their relationships take a backseat for the most part. As someone who doesn’t work in the medical profession, I really liked the way these two books compare different aspects of mental health treatment in a way that is easy to understand and engaging! The authors do a great job of combining their knowledge and experience to create a series that brings a new perspective to a common setting.
I would say I liked this book ever so slightly less than The Glass House, just because it was less patient-focused which was my favourite part. I also still feel kind Hannah is under-developed as a protagonist - I know a lot about what she’s done and what has happened to her throughout her life - but I couldn’t describe her confidently in 3 words which feels like an issue.
I still definitely recommend this series and I will continue if there are more books to come!
April 27, 2025
4.5⭐️
April 27, 2025
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
⌛️Bestselling authors Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion return to the world they created in The Glass House with their latest challenging title that conquers the Australian mental health system. This powerhouse co-authorship has once again presented their readers with an impactful story sheds a light on mental illness through a lens of genuine empathy and quiet humour.
⌛️After journeying through The Glass House recently, I was keen to rejoin the world carefully created by dual authors Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion for The Oasis. Once again, I loved being back into the world of trainee psychiatrist Hannah Wright and her continually evolving story.
⌛️The Oasis provided me with a welcome opportunity to reconnect with familiar characters (who felt like my own work colleagues or friends) and backdrop, while gaining a better understanding of what led Hannah down the path of psychiatry. Our lead’s journey continues to be compelling and layered. Buist and Simsion work in unison to explore the professional and personal challenges trainee psychiatrist Hannah faces. We are also privy to a series of cases, many new, but others are a continuation of some featured in The Glass House. What struck me again about this novel was the level of research that holds this story together. There’s a strong line of authenticity present in the clinical and case load scenes within the novel that speaks to the authors’ commitment to getting it right.
⌛️The Oasis balances an approachable narrative frame with a rich social commentary, shining a light on the current state of our mental health system. This novel also works hard to break down barriers and challenge preconceptions, while ensuring a sense of respect and care in regard to the delicate subject matter. From the professionals and trainees, to the patients and their families, every pocket of the mental health system is given a distinctive voice.
The Oasis is more than just a fictional study on our mental health environment, it is a conversation starter and a call for greater understanding of a world I fear continues to be in crisis. Now the lingering question is whether this book marks the close of trainee Hannah’s journey, or will we follow the team to a new site (that’s my theory or hope anyway). I trust this capable duo to handle whatever comes next with heart, compassion and genuine knowledge. 4 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟
⌛️Bestselling authors Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion return to the world they created in The Glass House with their latest challenging title that conquers the Australian mental health system. This powerhouse co-authorship has once again presented their readers with an impactful story sheds a light on mental illness through a lens of genuine empathy and quiet humour.
⌛️After journeying through The Glass House recently, I was keen to rejoin the world carefully created by dual authors Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion for The Oasis. Once again, I loved being back into the world of trainee psychiatrist Hannah Wright and her continually evolving story.
⌛️The Oasis provided me with a welcome opportunity to reconnect with familiar characters (who felt like my own work colleagues or friends) and backdrop, while gaining a better understanding of what led Hannah down the path of psychiatry. Our lead’s journey continues to be compelling and layered. Buist and Simsion work in unison to explore the professional and personal challenges trainee psychiatrist Hannah faces. We are also privy to a series of cases, many new, but others are a continuation of some featured in The Glass House. What struck me again about this novel was the level of research that holds this story together. There’s a strong line of authenticity present in the clinical and case load scenes within the novel that speaks to the authors’ commitment to getting it right.
⌛️The Oasis balances an approachable narrative frame with a rich social commentary, shining a light on the current state of our mental health system. This novel also works hard to break down barriers and challenge preconceptions, while ensuring a sense of respect and care in regard to the delicate subject matter. From the professionals and trainees, to the patients and their families, every pocket of the mental health system is given a distinctive voice.
The Oasis is more than just a fictional study on our mental health environment, it is a conversation starter and a call for greater understanding of a world I fear continues to be in crisis. Now the lingering question is whether this book marks the close of trainee Hannah’s journey, or will we follow the team to a new site (that’s my theory or hope anyway). I trust this capable duo to handle whatever comes next with heart, compassion and genuine knowledge. 4 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟
February 26, 2025
I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of The Oasis. This will be a book that many will enjoy. The mental health conditions mentioned throughout the book (and series) are serious but this is balanced with humour. It’s a page turner that teaches while entertaining.
The Oasis is the second book in the Menzies Mental Health Services series that follows Dr Hannah Wright in her early years working as a trainee psychiatrist. The story provides great insights into mental health and the mental health system as we see behind the scenes in a mental health institution. The book is structured in the same way as The Glass House with each chapter beginning with someone who is suffering from a mental health crisis followed by Hannah’s journey as a trainee psychiatrist and her ups and downs as she tries to understand herself. As a reader we learn so much about various mental health conditions while also learning about how these affect those treating them.
While the conditions and topics in the book are serious and complex, Buist and Simsion deftly lift the reading experience with moments of lightness and humour. There’s romance, messiness and all the things that come with being a young woman who’s juggling a busy work life while also wanting to let her hair down.
There was much to love about this book and it was good to be back with Hannah. Hoping this series will continue.
The Oasis is the second book in the Menzies Mental Health Services series that follows Dr Hannah Wright in her early years working as a trainee psychiatrist. The story provides great insights into mental health and the mental health system as we see behind the scenes in a mental health institution. The book is structured in the same way as The Glass House with each chapter beginning with someone who is suffering from a mental health crisis followed by Hannah’s journey as a trainee psychiatrist and her ups and downs as she tries to understand herself. As a reader we learn so much about various mental health conditions while also learning about how these affect those treating them.
While the conditions and topics in the book are serious and complex, Buist and Simsion deftly lift the reading experience with moments of lightness and humour. There’s romance, messiness and all the things that come with being a young woman who’s juggling a busy work life while also wanting to let her hair down.
There was much to love about this book and it was good to be back with Hannah. Hoping this series will continue.
January 18, 2025
I was lucky to get my hands on an advanced copy of this book and have just finished it. I thought the Glass House was excellent but this is next level stunning. A book to help us all walk beside those who need compassion, support and options.
November 14, 2024
Having read and enjoyed The Glass House, I'm thrilled to have read a pre release of The Oasis. This time the story is stronger still, the characters richer while remaining in the format of the first book - meaning a structure that helps the story and allows a lot of characters, sub plots and diversions to enrich rather than confuse. There's still the range from deeply thoughtful insights into mental health, which must be one of the biggest challenges of our time through to hilarious, almost slapstick episodes that one would like to think were exaggerated, but probably aren't. Novels that give you an authentic insight into a world most of us thankfully don't see are rare, so this is a gem. An easy to read book on a serious topic. FWIW, as someone who can take weeks to read a book, this one lasted a couple of days. More please!
April 27, 2025
The Oasis by Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion
Thoughts: The Oasis is the book #2 in the Menzies Mental Health series, and I really enjoyed it after reading The Glass House. Both books offer an important and thoughtful look into the mental health system in Australia. Even with a large cast of characters, the story was easy to follow, and I liked that characters from the first book continued into the second. Although the stories are fictional, they reflect the real experiences of many people living with mental health conditions, and I believe everyone should read this book! Overall, The Oasis was a well-written, insightful, and meaningful read.
Synopsis: Trainee psychiatrist Doctor Hannah Wright has only just got her head above water in the acute psychiatric ward at Menzies Hospital when she’s thrown into the deep end of the outpatient clinic. Keen to develop her skills in talking therapies, she finds herself up against a boss who’s focused on medication and a senior colleague with a score to settle. Hannah’s fellow first-years face problems of their own: on-and-off flame Alex is being bullied, Ndidi’s marriage is in trouble, Jon feels isolated and Carey is concerned their autism will be a career barrier. While Hannah comes under pressure to seek therapy herself to confront a traumatic past, her patients’ health issues range from OCD to ice addiction, childhood abuse to the mental impact of ageing, and from bad parenting to bad genes. They all come to the Oasis.
Please check content/trigger warnings prior to reading this book.
If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thoughts: The Oasis is the book #2 in the Menzies Mental Health series, and I really enjoyed it after reading The Glass House. Both books offer an important and thoughtful look into the mental health system in Australia. Even with a large cast of characters, the story was easy to follow, and I liked that characters from the first book continued into the second. Although the stories are fictional, they reflect the real experiences of many people living with mental health conditions, and I believe everyone should read this book! Overall, The Oasis was a well-written, insightful, and meaningful read.
Synopsis: Trainee psychiatrist Doctor Hannah Wright has only just got her head above water in the acute psychiatric ward at Menzies Hospital when she’s thrown into the deep end of the outpatient clinic. Keen to develop her skills in talking therapies, she finds herself up against a boss who’s focused on medication and a senior colleague with a score to settle. Hannah’s fellow first-years face problems of their own: on-and-off flame Alex is being bullied, Ndidi’s marriage is in trouble, Jon feels isolated and Carey is concerned their autism will be a career barrier. While Hannah comes under pressure to seek therapy herself to confront a traumatic past, her patients’ health issues range from OCD to ice addiction, childhood abuse to the mental impact of ageing, and from bad parenting to bad genes. They all come to the Oasis.
Please check content/trigger warnings prior to reading this book.
If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 10, 2025
Boring! Not much different to the first one and not much new happens..wouldn’t recommend.
April 4, 2025
A sadly superfluous sequel. The subject would have been stronger with fresh faces, cases and characters.
November 22, 2024
I was given an advance copy of The Oasis. I found the first book in the series, The Glass House, engaging, informative and sometimes confronting. This book follows the same ‘TV season’ format, with a new case in every chapter and three ongoing cases, but I found it stronger, mainly because the narrator, Dr Hannah Wright, seems more defined and purposeful. The best characters from The Glass House are back, including three patients who had minor roles and are now in the foreground. The star is DJ Voices, a person with schizophrenia living in the community and a victim not only of her illness but of hospital politics. Buist and Simsion pull no punches here: the story is told from the point of view of mental health workers, but they are shown in all their flawed humanity. Confronting again: I had to put the book aside at one point, and I imagine it will trigger some memories for others too, but I appreciate that in a novel. If you don’t, maybe it’s not for you. But otherwise, highly recommended. There really isn’t anything comparable out there.
March 9, 2025
A fantastic read on so many levels. I think The Oasis does an incredible job at normalising mental health as health..I’ve been told a million hospital dramas and absolutely one set in a psychiatric ward is way overdue. I loved the fast paced, driven characters striving ‘to improve our skills, qualify..do the paperwork, hit the KPIs, have a life…’ I absolutely loved Hannah and her mates, there are lots of characters, but I never was wondering who was who (I have read and loved The Glass House, but really feel this stands alone well too)
I absolutely loved seeing the portrayal of mental illness and it’s treatment in the mental health system. Anne Buist being the chair of Women’s Mental Health at the uni of Melbourne gave me the assurance this was true to life, and I know they consulted with people with loved experience.
I so appreciated take always like ‘you realise I say that he had no control over getting bipolar disorder? It could just as easily happened to me or you’
Can’t wait for the next instalment!!!! Thank you so much Hachette for me arc! I loved it!!!!!!!!
I absolutely loved seeing the portrayal of mental illness and it’s treatment in the mental health system. Anne Buist being the chair of Women’s Mental Health at the uni of Melbourne gave me the assurance this was true to life, and I know they consulted with people with loved experience.
I so appreciated take always like ‘you realise I say that he had no control over getting bipolar disorder? It could just as easily happened to me or you’
Can’t wait for the next instalment!!!! Thank you so much Hachette for me arc! I loved it!!!!!!!!
February 28, 2025
Having had the privilege of reading an advance copy of The Oasis, I am delighted to report that it adroitly delivers the elements of an Anne Buist/Graeme Simsion collaboration that their readers have grown to know and love. Interesting characters (old and new), great dialogue, humour (light and dark), a page-turning story, and revealing insights into the mental health system informed by Anne's long career in psychiatric practice and research.
You don't need to have read The Glass House but if you haven't you might as well pick up a copy at the same time, as you'll probably be following the Menzies Mental Health Series for a while.
You don't need to have read The Glass House but if you haven't you might as well pick up a copy at the same time, as you'll probably be following the Menzies Mental Health Series for a while.
March 12, 2025
Loved following along from the first book, seeing the characters growth, answers of Miss Wright’s past so many snippets of others lives, trials and tribulations. Also the insights of processes, agendas, baggage of colleagues and how this impacts practice. Although i did find myself reading quite manically along with some of the manic patients events, so felt relieved coming to the end of the book as i realised my own emotions were following along reacting to the characters.
May 15, 2025
There was a lot of potential for this book but there were a few points that took away from it being a good fiction novel
1. Way to many characters, there had been well over 20 characters introduced by chapter 3 and it was impossible to keep track of who was a patient, who was a colleague and who the narrator was attracted to (because this changed numerous times)
2. Too much medical jargon, as someone who works in a medical field I understood it but there was just so much house talk that it detracted from the story
3. No actual storyline…really this wasn’t a work of fiction with a beginning, middle and end. Instead it was just a collection of various mental health patients and their stories with a vague background storyline for the narrator to try and tie it all together. Even this ‘personal trauma’ story seemed tenuous at best and was brought up sporadically throughout the book as though the author remembered she needed to tie the back story with the current ones.
Anyway I gave this 2.5 stars and decided to round it up to 3 because I’m feeling generous now that I’ve finished it.
1. Way to many characters, there had been well over 20 characters introduced by chapter 3 and it was impossible to keep track of who was a patient, who was a colleague and who the narrator was attracted to (because this changed numerous times)
2. Too much medical jargon, as someone who works in a medical field I understood it but there was just so much house talk that it detracted from the story
3. No actual storyline…really this wasn’t a work of fiction with a beginning, middle and end. Instead it was just a collection of various mental health patients and their stories with a vague background storyline for the narrator to try and tie it all together. Even this ‘personal trauma’ story seemed tenuous at best and was brought up sporadically throughout the book as though the author remembered she needed to tie the back story with the current ones.
Anyway I gave this 2.5 stars and decided to round it up to 3 because I’m feeling generous now that I’ve finished it.
December 28, 2024
I have read an advance copy of The Oasis. I really enjoyed the first book in the series (The Glasshouse) and was looking forward to the continuation of the story. It didn't disappoint - in fact I enjoyed it more than the first. We get to know Hannah and her colleagues better and I enjoyed the interactions between these characters. The patients are compelling and some are back (Chloe and her family) and we get to follow their stories as well. I really enjoyed the insight into the mental health system and how complicated it can be. If you're in two minds about whether to continue the series, I would say: definitely!
March 22, 2025
Psychiatry is about sitting with things that are far from perfect. Our patients have often done that all their lives, long often before the onset of mental illness. We are their role models. We do the best we can. But we are not going to win every battle.”
A return novel by Anne and Graeme. And a stellar one at that! Dr Hannah the main protagonist continues to sit in the mess of what it is to be human whilst simultaneously learning how to sit and be with her own story and pain. The awakening of her past from the hidden depths is confronting but a rich addition to the main plot. These authors continue to capture the delicate balance of what it is to struggle, be human and attempt to heal. It’s an intricate dance with many steps and directions but it’s been done so well.
A return novel by Anne and Graeme. And a stellar one at that! Dr Hannah the main protagonist continues to sit in the mess of what it is to be human whilst simultaneously learning how to sit and be with her own story and pain. The awakening of her past from the hidden depths is confronting but a rich addition to the main plot. These authors continue to capture the delicate balance of what it is to struggle, be human and attempt to heal. It’s an intricate dance with many steps and directions but it’s been done so well.
August 10, 2025
An interesting book, I liked the style of writing, each chapter introduces a new case and it was an interesting angle to have a psychiatrist who is wanting to have equal training in psychotherapy, which is definitely something we need more of. I found myself getting bored at times throughout and for me personally I wanted more of the therapy sessions as opposed to the dynamics of the workplace. I did adore the family therapy session chapter as it really reminded me of some of the sessions I’ve conducted. The authors portrayed the feelings I’ve had in those moments really well.
April 13, 2025
I expected a lighthearted story of a young doctor working in mental health. I got that and it was great, but I also unexpectedly got an incredible insight into the back of house workings of the mental health system in Melbourne. Having been an inpatient I now have answers to questions no one working in the system could ever give me at the time about prescription drug usage, staff attitudes, funding and more. This is an extremely well written fictional tale deeply grounded in factual research. Considering the authors that's not surprising. A must read for those who might find insight in unexpected places.
March 22, 2025
''Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Do you want a drink? I sure as hell need one.''
The second instalment in the Menzies Mental Health series, The Oasis, delves further into Dr Hannah Wright's unresolved trauma, experience of suicide and vulnerabilities as a trainee psychiatrist, as she manages a case load of outpatients, seemingly from every corner of the DSM-5.
The second instalment in the Menzies Mental Health series, The Oasis, delves further into Dr Hannah Wright's unresolved trauma, experience of suicide and vulnerabilities as a trainee psychiatrist, as she manages a case load of outpatients, seemingly from every corner of the DSM-5.
May 13, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Lots of up and downs.
My only fault is there were WAY too many characters and it was hard to keep up sometimes. However, the characters I could keep up with had insane development and was cool to be in a psychiatrists perspective
Lots of up and downs.
My only fault is there were WAY too many characters and it was hard to keep up sometimes. However, the characters I could keep up with had insane development and was cool to be in a psychiatrists perspective
April 15, 2025
Beautifully written, but very raw and at times heartbreaking.
June 13, 2025
a beautiful and realistic read.
September 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.
It takes a couple of chapters to get into, as the story is written more like a Netflix series than a traditional novel. Think Grey’s Anatomy, but set in a Mental Health clinic rather than a general hospital.
Once you get used to the writing style, this book is awesome.
The characters are realistic and the stories of various mental health struggles are believable.
Well worth a read.
I hope we see this made into a TV series one day.
It takes a couple of chapters to get into, as the story is written more like a Netflix series than a traditional novel. Think Grey’s Anatomy, but set in a Mental Health clinic rather than a general hospital.
Once you get used to the writing style, this book is awesome.
The characters are realistic and the stories of various mental health struggles are believable.
Well worth a read.
I hope we see this made into a TV series one day.
December 27, 2025
Alright, definitely preferred the first book
April 17, 2025
Along with the first book in the series, The Glass House, this is one of the best and most important books I’ve read in years. Whilst thoroughly entertaining asa novel, it explores the lives of mental health patients and professionals, all in the context of the system that struggles to do the right thing for them all. It raises issues, increases understanding and, most importantly de-mystifies much of what goes on in the mental health sphere. I can’t recommend this highly enough!
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