One Flew Under the Cuckoo’s Nest

‘ONE FLEW UNDER THE CUCKOO’S NEST’ (2007) takes place in New Hope Hospital, England. Dominic’s head is crammed full of voices, Lisa is in a daze and Nathan is twitching. Together, they rock back and forth, holding themselves tightly because no one else will hold them. They are alonetogether. Jason visits his schizophrenic wife, Bernie. She’s been moved to the locked ward. He finds her curled up on the floor in a catatonic state. Hard as he tries, he is unable to reach her. He desperately wants to help her but at the same time, he can’t cope. Together, they both feel so alone. After the advent of ‘Care in the Community’, Jason feels totally imprisoned and starts to go under. He is now expected to look afte Bernie 24-7. Heading for burnout, with no one to turn to, he sees no future. There is no exit from his hell. No one seems to care about the carer! This book is a noir read with insight, humour and pathos.