Your Voice in My Head

Emma Forrest

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'Your Voice in My Head' by Emma Forrest is a memoir that delves into the psychological depths of the author's examined life. The book explores themes of self-mutilation, suicide attempts, failed relationships, and the struggles of living with manic depression. Forrest's writing style is described as candid, wrenching, and well-crafted, offering a raw and honest account of her journey through despair and madness. The memoir also touches on the author's relationships with her deceased psychiatrist and an unidentified movie star lover, providing insights into her personal struggles and emotional upheavals.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by well-crafted prose that blends humor with emotional depth, creating a vivid reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a candid exploration of mental illness, touching on a therapist-patient dynamic, and the complexities of love and loss.

Setting:

The setting encompasses New York City and spans the years 2000 to 2009, filled with contemporary cultural references.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast, with short chapters and engaging content that keep the reader's interest throughout.

“How do you pronounce Tóibin?” my mother asks me, “as in Colm Tóibin, the novelist?” This is our daily call, me in America, her in England, every day since I moved here at twenty-one. I’m thirty-two n...

Genres:

Topics:

romantic relationships

mental illness

overcoming adversity

Notes:

Emma Forrest was a young journalist at 22, sometimes mingling with celebrities.

She struggled with self-harm and binge-purge eating habits.

After a suicide attempt, she returned to England for recovery due to lack of insurance.

Dr. R, her psychiatrist, helped her through her mental health challenges.

Dr. R passed away from lung cancer at the age of 53, impacting Forrest deeply.

The memoir transforms from a tribute to Dr. R into a broader exploration of her life and struggles with bipolar disorder.

Forrest’s writing is praised for its humor and sharp wit despite heavy themes.

The book includes letters from Dr. R's former patients and friends, offering additional perspectives.

Emma’s journey involves falling in love after Dr. R's death, showcasing her emotional resilience.

The book discusses the challenges of living with manic depression against a backdrop of personal loss and societal issues.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include discussions of mental illness, self-harm, suicide, and difficult romantic relationships, making it a potentially distressing read for some.

From The Publisher:

Emma Forrest's memoir was called "a journey of healing" by Interview magazine and "a beautifully written eulogy for the doctor she credits with saving her life" by Los Angeles Magazine. The book received acclaim from reviewers across the country, the movie rights were snatched up quickly, and Emma herself enchanted audiences at readings in New York and Los Angeles. Brave, brilliantly written, and anchored in the reality of everyday life, Your Voice in My Head is destined to become a classic of the genre.

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About the Author:

Emma Forrest is the author of three novels and editor of the nonfiction essay collection Damage Control. Raised in London, she now lives in Los Angeles, where she is a screenwriter.

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