Fiction about insanity

[Hermes]

I have been re-reading this book recently.

"Asylum" by Patrick McGrath (British writer now living in New York).

This author's books are very well written IMO and intriguing.

McGrath's father was chief superintendent (chief psychiatrist) at a secure facility in England for the criminally insane, and the family lived within the grounds of the "asylum". So, McGrath's books are based on the theme of insanity (often not apparent, and often not the character you might think when reading one of his books).

"Trauma" another of his books, is this time based on a New York background.

Another of his books, "Spider" has been dramatised for T.V. A disturbing story.

Perhaps some of you have read his books?

Hermes

 

[David Baxter PhD]

McGrath's father was chief superintendent (chief psychiatrist) at a secure facility in England for the criminally insane, and the family lived within the grounds of the "asylum". So, McGrath's books are based on the theme of insanity (often not apparent, and often not the character you might think when reading one of his books).

By insanity I take it you mean in the legal sense, as in "not guilty by reason of insanity"?

I'm not sure what you mean by

often not apparent, and often not the character you might think when reading one of his books

 

[Hermes]

I don't know, David. (not being a lawyer or a psych). You are from the U.K. so you will have heard of Broadmoor. I am merely mentioning the book, a work fiction based quite possibly on a real case. "Criminally insane" was/is a term used. I did not invent it.


Broadmoor Asylum for the Criminally Insane
Broadmoor Hospital is a secure mental hospital in Crowthorne in Berkshire. It is the best known of the three high security psychiatric hospitals in England. The complex houses 326 patients - of whom about 49 are women. At any one time there are also approximately 36 patients on trial leave at other units. Many of the patients have personality disorders, and/or have previously been convicted of serious crimes.


Previously known as the Broadmoor Asylum for the Criminally Insane, the change of name reflects a change in attitude to mental illness, and usage of the word "asylum".

Reading "Asylum" (have you perhaps read this book?), one realises appearances are deceptive, and by the end of the book one gets to wondering about the characters.
But then that's what makes for a good book.

Hermes

 

[Daniel E.]

Perhaps some of you have read his books?

I only read romance novels

 

[Hermes]

For the record just:

Patrick McGrath was born in London in 1950 and grew up near Broadmoor Hospital where for many years his father was medical superintendent. He received a B.A. in English from the University of London. He has worked as an orderly in a mental hospital and as a teacher. He now lives in New York City and London and is married to the actress Maria Aitken. Asylum is his fourth novel.

---------- Post added at 12:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:36 PM ----------

"I only read romance novels".
That's really worrying, Danie. LOL (kidding)

Hermes

---------- Post added at 12:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:41 PM ----------

I think (in reply to your post, David) both criminal and insane (or in laymen's terms "mad and bad").

{details removed as potentially triggering}

Lovely person!

Hermes

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Thanks, Hermes. Yes, I'm very familiar with criminal or legal insanity and I do know about Broadmoor. I was just inquiring as to how you were using the term in your post, and it appears that indeed you (or rather the author you're discussing) does mean criminal insanity.

The term has a legal meaning at least in some parts of the world but medically or psychiatrically it has no such meaning.