The Locked Ward

Crammed full of vivid anecdotes and careful observations that run from terrifying to laugh-out-loud to exquisitely painful…a valuable contribution to the literature of madness * Observer *
Observant, modest, lightly erudite and heavily self-deprecating…an informative read. * Scotland on Sunday *
I really enjoyed The Locked Ward. He is compassionate without any taint of sentimentality, and the way he uses language is so elastic. It’s like he’s the most brilliant court-jester in the most colourful of courts. Bravo to him!
His tone is just right - perfect for the subject matter. He’s like a very good documentary maker; he knows exactly where to point the camera * Spectator *
We come away with a better understanding of life on a locked ward, and the book should contribute to a more open discussion of mental illness and suicide * Irish Times *
O’Donnell, a man of great patience and goodwill, describes the job beautifully… This is a superb study of people whose minds have gone wrong, and the art of caring for them * Evening Standard *
A worthy addition to the memoir genre which should help to remove some of the fear and stigma surrounding mental health conditions * Bookmunch *
This book is packed with witty insights and humorous moments… Makes for excellent bedtime reading * Psychologist *
This book is packed with witty insights and humorous moments… Makes for excellent bedtime reading * Psychologist *

Dennis O’Donnell was born in Scotland and attended Edinburgh University where he read English. He was an English teacher for many years before leaving to become a psychiatric orderly. He now lives in West Lothian.

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