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 *