Mental health disorders have always been here. Since some years, people have dared to talk about them. We realise the importance of talking about it. It is easier to accept having them.
An exemple of mental disorders
In Solitaire, we follow Tori Spring in her life as a high schooler. Tori has to deal with complicated relationships, family problems and mental health issues. But she also has to deal with a group of pranksters in her high school. The novel focuses on several mental disorders. Tori's but also her brother's. Her brother is a big part of Tori's life. She cares a lot about him and prefers to take care of his problems, ignoring her own. She puts aside her depression and suicidal tendencies to take care of him. He himself suffers from anorexia, depression, suicidal thoughts and self-harm. It's only at the end of the book that she accepts that she's mentally ill, after her suicide attempt.
“It hits me, then. I haven't ever know what I wanted out of life. Until now. I sort of want to be dead.”
The social acceptance of mental disorders
The book reflects society in several ways. Tori's acceptance of her mental disorder reflects society's beginning to accept it. Although society is still struggling, people are warned more and more about it. Mental disorders are less and less taboo. There is more awareness, both young and old, about how to deal with them. This book also helps young people to accept and speak out about their mental disorders. As we follow an unreliable narrator, we understand that this is not an example to follow. Since the author wrote it when she was seventeen, it is easier for young people to understand the message. The fact that Charlie's problems are explicitly said earlier is another point. It's easier to accept other people's troubles than our own.
Read a snippet from the book