Review of "Manic Depression"
By Lynn BradleyEmerald Ink, 2000
Review by Libby Fabricatore on Jun 30th 2001

Bradley reveals much about how she functions in relationships in general. Aside from the fact that her husband suffers from Bipolar Disorder, Bradley herself comes across as if she would be difficult to get along with, despite the best of circumstances. She enumerates a "Red Flag List" of her own behavior that she tries to avoid, which includes "Folding my arms across my chest Cocking my hands on my hips turning my back on him slamming doors complaining about him to others." While it is admirable that she is aware of her behavior, and is struggling not to engage in these actions, this list is indicative that Bradley herself has a long way to go in the department of emotional maturity.
This book is scattered with blanket statements, attempting at wisdom, but full of ignorance. "Our problems don't have to be identical, but our solutions do. If I have a broken leg, set the bone and keep it immobile for about six weeks, it will heal. If you have a broken leg and follow the same procedure, you will get the same results." The analogy she uses to illustrate her statement fails, primarily because the problem she uses is identical, not different. In addition to this, the statement begs the question, "Why would the same solution be appropriate for two people with two different problems?"
The biggest problem with this book is that its scope is very narrow.
Rather than being directed towards a wider audience of people
who may be related to, or have friends that are bipolar, Bradley
writes only to women with bipolar husbands. She repeatedly makes
reference to "your bipolar" as glibly as if she were
writing a book on caring for "your dog" or "your
cat." No helpful information is offered to those readers
who may have sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, friends, etc.
who suffer from this illness. Perhaps a more concise subtitle
for this book would be "How to live with a Manic Depressive
Husband." Readers who pick up this book hoping for some support
or insight for other types of relationships will be disappointed.
© 2001 Libby Fabricatore
Libby Fabricatore received a B.A in English Literature from Dowling College, where she is currently the Assistant Manager of the Photography Studio. She is continuing studies in literature, creative writing and music, while other interests include art and psychology.