Susanna Kaysen wrote Girl, Interrupted as a reflection of her own experiences in a mental health institution during the 1960s. The book, which blurs the lines between memoir and fiction, explores themes of identity, mental illness, and the societal perceptions of sanity and insanity.
Kaysen was hospitalized after a suicide attempt, and her time in the ward provided her with a unique perspective on the lives of other women who struggled with various mental health issues. Through her writing, she seeks to humanize these experiences and challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness. By sharing her personal story, Kaysen invites readers to question what it means to be ‘sane’ in a world that often labels people who do not conform to societal norms as ‘crazy.’
The raw and fragmented style of the book mirrors the chaotic nature of mental health struggles and reflects Kaysen’s own journey toward understanding and acceptance. Ultimately, Girl, Interrupted serves as both a personal narrative and a broader commentary on the complexities of mental health, making it a poignant work that resonates with many readers.