88 pages • 2 hours read
Girl, Interrupted
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Book Brief
192
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Massachusetts • 1960s
1993
Adult
18+ years
760L
Super Short Summary
Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen is a memoir that recounts the author's experiences as a teenager admitted to McLean Hospital in the late 1960s after being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Kaysen narrates her interactions with fellow patients, the medical staff, and her reflections on the subjective nature of mental health diagnoses, the hospital's institutional environment, and her eventual transition back into society. This book includes topics such as self-harm, institutionalization, and suicide.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Contemplative
Unnerving
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
261,076 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen offers a poignant and introspective look at mental illness, with a compelling narrative that is both raw and thought-provoking. Positive reviews applaud Kaysen's candid storytelling and vivid character portrayals. However, some critics cite a lack of depth in addressing broader societal issues related to mental health. Overall, it's a gripping memoir that sparks essential conversations.
Who Should Read Girl, Interrupted?
Readers who appreciate candid and introspective memoirs exploring mental health will be captivated by Susanna Kaysen's Girl, Interrupted. Fans of Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar and Elizabeth Wurtzel's Prozac Nation will find a kindred narrative in Kaysen's raw and reflective journey through psychiatric care.
261,076 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lisa
Lisa
A sociable and rebellious patient at McLean Hospital who forms a close friendship with Kaysen and is known for her wit, charisma, and frequent escapes from the facility.
Valerie
Valerie
The head nurse at McLean Hospital who earns the trust of patients with her assertive yet approachable demeanor, contrasting with the more formal and detached attitudes of other staff members.
The Doctor
The Doctor
Kaysen’s family doctor, who plays a pivotal role in her admittance to McLean after a brief consultation, reflecting the era's approach to mental health issues.
192
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Massachusetts • 1960s
1993
Adult
18+ years
760L
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