Daphne Merkin Bücher

» Mein fremdes Ich gehört zum Kanon der Bücher, die depressive Menschen ermutigen und jenen glücklichen, die dieser Bürde entgangen sind, Aufklärung geben.« (Washington Post) Seit ihrer Kindheit leidet die New Yorker Schriftstellerin Daphne Merkin an Depressionen. Obwohl ihre Eltern, orthodoxe deutsche Juden, sehr wohlhabend waren, war die Atmosphäre in ihrem Zuhause harsch, es fehlte den Kindern an Kleidung, Essen und Zuneigung. Zum ersten Mal wurde Merkin, die die Herzlosigkeit der Mutter kaum ertrug, als Schulkind klinisch eingewiesen, und hat nun – längst selbst Mutter – unzählige Therapien durchlaufen. Über fünf Jahrzehnte beschäftigt sie sich schon mit der noch immer stigmatisierten Krankheit und mit der Frage, was es bedeutet, ein Leben mit Depressionen zu führen, das trotz allem lebenswert ist. In Mein fremdes Ich wartet Merkin mit all ihrer Erfahrung auf – den vielen Teilsiegen und Rückschlägen, der Aufarbeitung der eigenen Familiengeschichte, den neuesten Forschungserkenntnissen. Mit nüchterner Klarheit und dunkel strahlender Poesie beschreibt sie den Kampf mit Depressionen, die man nie besiegen, mit denen man aber zu leben lernen kann.

“One of the most accurate, and therefore most harrowing, accounts of depression to be written in the last century...Ms. Merkin speaks candidly and beautifully about aspects of the human condition that usually remain pointedly silent (John Kaag, The Wall Street Journal). Daphne Merkin has been hospitalized three times: first, in grade school, for childhood depression; years later, after her daughter was born, for severe postpartum depression; and later still, after her mother died, for obsessive suicidal thinking. The arc of Merkin’s affliction is lifelong, beginning in a childhood largely bereft of love and stretching into the present, where Merkin lives a high-functioning life and her depression is manageable, if not “cured.” In this dark yet vital memoir, Merkin describes not only the harrowing sorrow that she has known all her life, but also her early, redemptive love of reading and gradual emergence as a writer. Written with an acute understanding of the ways in which her condition has evolved as well as affected those around her, This Close to Happy is an utterly candid coming-to-terms with an illness that many share but few talk about, one that remains shrouded in stigma. "It is standard fare to say books on depression are brave, but this one actually is....An important addition to the literature on mental illness."—Andrew Solomon, The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)

A New York Times Book Review Notable Book showcases a compelling narrative that captivates readers with its intricate plot and well-developed characters. It explores profound themes such as identity, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships. The author’s unique voice and storytelling style draw readers into a rich, immersive world, making it a thought-provoking and memorable read. This book stands out for its emotional depth and insightful commentary on contemporary issues.

Exploring a diverse range of topics, the essays delve into intimate subjects like spanking during sex and personal experiences such as breast reduction and depression. The author, praised for her intelligence and insight, offers candid reflections on culture and society, touching on figures like Martin Scorcese and events related to Israel and Gary Gilmore. With a reputation for thought-provoking writing, these uncensored pieces engage readers with their depth and authenticity.

A harrowing, compulsively readable novel about breaking free of sexual obsession No one found Howard Rose interesting, that is, but me.