Suzanne Scanlon’s Reflective Narrative
In her poignant memoir Committed, author Suzanne Scanlon reflects on her entwined history of reading and mental health. Through this work, Scanlon follows a similar path to writers like Janet Frame, who famously turned to writing as a means of survival. Frame’s award-winning debut saved her from a scheduled lobotomy in 1951, drawing attention to the intersection between literary achievement and mental illness.
Childhood Coping and the Sanctuary of Books
Scanlon’s engagement with literature as a coping mechanism traces back to her early years. At 8 years old, she used imaginative play to create order from the chaos surrounding her mother’s terminal illness. This immersive coping strategy is mirrored in her adult life, where books have provided her with insights into the world and her mental health. Scanlon’s memoir draws attention to the sanctuary and understanding that literature can offer during tumultuous periods.
A Mosaic of Mental Health Experiences
Committed delves into Scanlon’s personal experiences, including stints in psychiatric hospitals in her early 20s. She recalls both long-term hospitalizations and shorter periods of institutionalization. The narrative leaps across time, reflecting the fragmented way Scanlon has come to understand her own story. This non-linear approach, coupled with shifts in narrative voice, invites readers to immerse themselves fully in her experiences.
Authors and Mental Illness: A Broad Perspective
Scanlon uses her memoir to connect her experiences with those of other authors who confronted mental illness. From Janet Frame to Sylvia Plath and Marguerite Duras, Committed weaves literary analysis with personal narrative and cultural history. This approach underscores the societal pressures faced by women and the role that reading and writing play in navigating these challenges.
In her memoir, Scanlon writes, “What we call mental illness is so rarely portrayed with any depth or complexity.” Through her thoughtful reflection, she provides a layered exploration of how societal expectations can shape one’s life narrative and how literature offers a refuge in the storm.
