Comments on: Gardening in the Dark

By: Jamie Baler

Jamie Baler — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:33:21 +0000

I think that Bipolar disorder has become more well-known as a condition over the past few years, following celebrities such as Stephen Fry who have highlighted awareness of the disorder. Still, there are relatively few authors who tackle the subject and Jennifer has done this really well in this novel. I liked the characters and the way the story was narrated, and the humour in the book makes you laugh even when you’re crying. I think this would be a good introductory text for people wanting to learn more about Bipolar, and also who are looking for the positive and uplifting side to the disorder, when so many people focus on the negatives.

By: Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 20:09:16 +0000

For starters- Gardening in the dark is the perfect title for this book. The writer successfully jumps from old to new to old and back detailing the present time and providing a glimmer of the past in betweeen. Here’s to more books by this author.

By: Alan Marshall

Alan Marshall — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:50:55 +0000

Like most of the population I knew little, or nothing, about Bipolar Affective Disorder until I read this book. Jen’s insightful baring of her inner core is funny and heart-wrenching by turns and is never less than readable, often showing signs of creative brilliance. For a first novel this is a major triumph and heralds a stellar career as a writer of first class literature.

By: Jeremy Youngman

Jeremy Youngman — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:37:29 +0000

Gardening in the Dark is the astonishing tale of a young girl named Alex who manages to survive a turbulent time as a youngster only to suffer depression and turn towards suicide in her later life. The novel interweaves the story of Alex’s traumatic childhood, at the hands of an abusive father and drunken mother, with her self-admission into hospital some years later where she is diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and undergoes psychiatric counselling. Jennifer’s book takes the reader on a compelling and shocking journey as the younger Alex tries to manage the conflicting relationships within her family, and the older one is forced to question her relationship with alcohol, her bipolar lover and ultimately her own relationship with herself. Although periods of Alex’s life are strikingly bleak, the book is interspersed with uplifting moments (whence the title) in a way that reflects the underlying theme of the novel – the dramatic impact that manic depression can have on an individual and those around them. Jennifer Syrkiewicz has used her wonderful talent with words to paint a vivid, touching and powerful insight in to the troubling world of mental illness.

By: Ellen Wilkinson

Ellen Wilkinson — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:29:31 +0000

This was a good book, and I think it’s worth reading for anyone wanting an upbeat, at times funny, and sensitive view of mental health issues and how real people cope with them in real life. Worth a read.

By: Mark Ellersley

Mark Ellersley — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:30:52 +0000

Gardening in the Dark tells the story of a woman called Alex, who is struggling with depression. In the novel we learn about how she came to be at that particular point in her life, weaving backwards and forwards through her childhood (which is at times tough reading, but told with humour) and to the present, where she deals with her situation. Alex falls in love with an equally dynamic character and we are pulled through to a happy ending, but at times the book is quite harrowing. That said, I think it was well-written and well thought out, with some lovely pieces of lyrical writing.

By: Alice Gresham

Alice Gresham — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:03:36 +0000

I chose this book because I am interested in Bipolar, as my broither has just been diagnosed. I thought it was really helpful, describing the condition really well. More than that though it is a very well written novel with a great plot, likeable and believable main character and really nice way of looking at the world. I think it’s positive without being unrealistic, and a great book overall. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn about Bipolar, but also looking for a good book that keeps the pages turning and makes you want to think about things for a long time afterwards. I hope the writer has more books in the pipeline.

By: Jacob Armstrong

Jacob Armstrong — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 02:11:59 +0000

This novel is a heartbreaking but ultimately positive depiction of Bipolar Affective Disorder and the associated highs and lows of the condition. It’s also a great read ‘in itself’. Told with sensitivity and humour, the book deals with some truly difficult and emotive subjects with a strength and realism that in turn shocked and delighted me. This unknown author has produced a book which is frank, honest and brave. I will be reccommending this book to members of my BP support group and others, as a great introduction to the disorder, and a very good read. Well done to Jennifer for tackling a difficult subject with maturity and inisght.

By: Christine Marshall

Christine Marshall — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 20:28:21 +0000

Brilliant piece of writing. One of those books you just have to keep reading and hoping it will never end. I almost felt as though I was there with the character. Superb read.

By: Andrew Kendall

Andrew Kendall — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:55:08 +0000

An brillaintly written book. Its a bit of an insight into mania and depression which has both awkward, heavy themes and uplifting, hopeful promises. It shows a three-dimensional character reacting to a confusing world around her, told through sometimes enchaningly poetic words. The pages just kept turning…