A journey through mania, madness and healing- both personal and rigorously researched it’ll be a timely contribution to our ongoing national conversation about mental health

‘Deeply moving, darkly funny and hugely powerful’ Robert Macfarlane

‘A brave, lit-up account of going mad and getting better’ Jeanette Winterson

After a lifetime of ups and downs, Horatio Clare was committed to hospital under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act. From hypomania in the Alps, to a complete breakdown and a locked ward in Wakefield, this is a gripping account of how the mind loses touch with reality, how we fall apart and how we may heal.

‘One of the most brilliant travel writers of our day takes us now to that most challenging country, severe mental illness; and does so with such wit, warmth and humanity’ Reverend Richard Coles