An interesting novel, which concerns Newman’s discovery of his sister Abbie’s unpublished manuscript following her suicide. Considering publication he decides to write an introduction to the novel, whose main character is Vee, a teacher. Vee was previously in love with Max, a psychiatrist, but the relationship was short-lived.
Childhood nightmares about her long-dead Aunt Mary’s mental illness lead Vee to create a “door” in her mind to shut her out. But Aunt Mary’s door is not enough to withstand a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which ends Vee’s teaching career. Some time later Vee gets a job at Squaremile, a centre for disabled people, but she soon realises that stigma is not just confined to job applications.
Once, when she was a teacher, she was believed and trusted. Now, suffering from bipolar disorder, she is doubted and bullied. Vee meets Max again, but this time as his patient. Max is unable to prevent Vee’s suicide, and feels intolerable guilt, in part because of his earlier relationship with her. Max hopes to find answers in Vee’s novel, a copy of which she gave him at their last appointment before her suicide.
Max, and his wife Helen, who works at Squaremile, are shocked to read of how Vee and some of the residents there have been treated. They investigate the allegations of bullying and neglect and prepare a report, presenting it at a meeting in the boardroom at Squaremile, attended by the chief executive officer of the centre. The atmosphere is tense, particularly as both Max and Helen have health problems, and because of attempts by Sandra, the chief bully at Squaremile, to sabotage their efforts to unmask her.
However, as the story reaches its climax, it is Abbie who will have the last word.
So, my thoughts on From a Safe Distance? I found this novel an intelligent and sensitive story giving insight into the life of one living with bipolar disorder and the trials that have to be endured as a result of prejudice and stereotypical assumptions.
Do not be put off by grim references on the front cover or the apparent complexity of the synopsis. This novel tells a story within a story where the central message is one of love and hope in the search for better understanding of people who bear the burden of living with bipolar disorder.
The outer shell, that of Abbie’s suicide, encloses her writings where under the pseudonym of Vee she records the progress of her life and how it might more ideally have turned out.
This powerful story gives insight to all of us who have been fortunate enough not to have experienced this cruel, mysterious condition. It is also engaging as a gentle love story and makes compelling reading. In addition, the novel is essential reading for employers, interviewers and all who work in caring professions.
From a Safe Distance is available from Amazon as paperback or eBook.