The Shock of the Fall - Nathan Filer.
I'd bought this on a bit of a whim- as this isn't my usual novel. It follows the story of a young gentleman with mental health issues, and his struggle to overcome his past. I read this in super quick timing and felt it was really interesting that it was written from the viewpoint of somebody with mental health issues, as it felt easier to empathise with him. I felt the story was very original in this format.
I don't know about you, but whenever I read a book, I associate that particular book with a period in my life. I found with this book that although I haven't experienced any of the situations brought to light in this book, I felt I could associate with them.
Certain themes that rang through particularly, were loneliness. Despite having plenty of friends at university, and a loving family, I do find myself feeling lonely ever such a lot. I think sometimes loneliness can be a mindset, for example, I'd be invited out but would prefer to stay in with a good book. However, when the books finished and your friends are still out having a good time, being introverted doesn't always feel so good. Sometimes loneliness is unavoidable, but I can definitely hold myself accountable for feeling lonely at certain times.
Having studied a year and a half of adult nursing, I found it really interesting that this book was written by a registered mental health nurse. There were definite references - certain jargon and terminology, that made me really take notice of this. It did lead me to worry whether this novel was based - even loosely- upon previous patients. I've met a lot of people whose stories are absolutely amazing, stories that will live on through generations. However, selfish as this is, one part of nursing that I absolute relished was hearing a patient's experience. I love knowing people's "stories", hearing amazing miracles and the overcoming of struggles. Even with people I walk past in the street, or see in a coffee shop, I want to know your story!
You will definitely do better than that.
Thank you for taking the time,
Eleanor Rose
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