Rachel Clarke (4)

I got this book from Goodreads as a first read book.

As someone with personal experience of ME I've put off reading it for fear of it bringing up difficult emotions which at times it did.

I'm not sure though who this novel is aimed at. Newly diagnosed would be put off by the harrowing descriptions, those who are 'better' wouldn't want reminded of how bad it can be and medical staff don't want to have their faults pointed out!

It tells the story of Sarah who as a teenager falls ill with a mystery illness which stops her going to school and her GP seems both unable and unwilling to help.

Sadly however this book just seems to be too focused on pacing as a solution to ME which is not necessarily so. The attitude of the psychiatrist was very well written I also think that the time spent didn't really come across well at all. No mention is made of any other treatments which can support sufferers.

The constant attempt of people to come up with solutions was very true to my experience though and when she gave back her locker key it was very close to my own experience.

This is a good attempt to highight a terrible condition. Wish there really were clinics like the one featured.
… (altro)