The Episode

A deeply moving, often terrifying account of grief, illness, and recovery, this vivid memoir carries the reader so close to its unfolding events that it quickens the breath. – Doireann Ní GhríofaA must read: it hits you right in the heart – Katriona O’SullivanA deeply insightful, clearsighted and immersive account of grief and psychosis. It would be harrowing if not so beautifully written. I’ve never read anything quite like it. – Patrick FreyneCompelling * Irish Examiner *Meticulous and frightening … written in beautifully honest prose, and illuminated throughout by something rare and invaluable: the notes kept by those who dealt with her…. a gripping and important book – Horatio Clare * The Telegraph *Steers an arresting course between an academic’s rigorous research and pacy, insightful readability … it’s shocking to read * Irish Times *A story of tenacity and bravery … visceral * Irish Times *In this brave, necessary book, Kenny offers a powerful critique of a system that too often confuses medication with healing and bureaucracy with care … delivered in elegant, quietly furious prose, it deserves a wide readership. * Sunday Independent *Powerful – Brendan O’Connor * RTÉ Radio 1 *A page-turning read … a fantastic writer * Irish Times Women’s Podcast *

Mary Ann Kenny is an academic. She lives in Dublin with her children.