GIRL, INTERRUPTED

In 1967 18-year old Susanna Kaysen voluntarily admitted herself to a two-year stay at McLean Hospital, a psychiatric institute, with a diagnosis of "borderline personality." Twenty-five years later the author recalls her fellow patients, their doctors and "keepers," and her journey to recovery. Kaysen reads with a matter-of-fact style and keeps her intonation at a constant level At first, she uses little expression as she recounts her daily routine with understatement. But as she moves toward the end of her stay, her voice mirrors newfound strength. Her reading speed picks up, and she reveals a vitality not previously detected. Knowing this tape is read by the author makes the listening experience especially meaningful. A.A.B. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 94]