White Darkness: Poetic Tales of the Schizophrenic Experience

by Susan Wojnar

With 25 years of lived experience with Schizophrenia, Susan Wojnar’s book debut transcends the traditional boundaries of memoir, diagnosis, and verse, to offer readers a profoundly human window into the experience of psychosis. With raw honesty, stark imagery, and a lyrical voice that sings even in silence, White Darkness dares readers— caregivers, mental health professionals, those who struggle with mental health issues and everyday people alike—to step inside a fragmented yet beautifully defiant world.

Susan Wojnar is not only a poet, but a professional singer-songwriter and a social worker who holds a Master’s degree in English. Her work in mental health care, combined with her personal experiences and artistic insight, has shaped White Darkness into a rare gem that speaks from both lived and observed truth. Her professional background lends the collection both authenticity and emotional depth. Readers are not only exposed to the gripping inner experiences of psychosis and recovery—they are also given a rare and compassionate view from the front lines of mental health care.

White Darkness stands at a crucial intersection: art and advocacy. The book is a powerful discovery for readers who have experienced psychosis, know someone who has, or work in caregiving or clinical settings. The stories don’t just describe the chaos of mental illness— they reveal the moments of clarity, resilience, and even joy that can live within the darkest experiences.

70 pages, Paperback

Published August 22, 2023

About the author

With 25 years of lived experience with Schizophrenia, Susan Wojnar’s book debut transcends the traditional boundaries of memoir, diagnosis, and verse, to offer readers a profoundly human window into the experience of psychosis. With raw honesty, stark imagery, and a lyrical voice that sings even in silence, White Darkness dares readers— caregivers, mental health professionals, those who struggle with mental health issues and everyday people alike—to step inside a fragmented yet beautifully defiant world.

Susan Wojnar is not only a poet, but a professional singer-songwriter and a social worker who holds a Master’s degree in English. Her work in mental health care, combined with her personal experiences and artistic insight, has shaped White Darkness into a rare gem that speaks from both lived and observed truth. Her professional background lends the collection both authenticity and emotional depth. Readers are not only exposed to the gripping inner experiences of psychosis and recovery—they are also given a rare and compassionate view from the front lines of mental health care.

Reviews

[Cora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book of poems about the schizophrenic experience. An insightful read for anyone who knows someone suffering from psychosis.

[Fawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan's poetry is enlightening, heartwrenching, and beautifully written. I highly recommend this book of poetry. It not only puts the reader in the mind of someone dealing with schizophrenia, but it also offers an insightful and more personal perspective for people who don't have first-hand experience with this illness. Schizophrenia can be confusing and difficult to understand for family and friends of someone dealing with this mental illness, and this book of poetry offers an insightful view that is much needed.

[Wojjie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of poems, memories and visions is a window into the world of schizophrenia. Confusing, horrifying, frightening, and sometimes beautiful, these snippets illustrate what it can be like for someone with this illness, but also show how strong, determined and brave Wojnar is to deal with / have dealt with this disease everyday. A true survivor telling a survival story. You will be forever changed for having read this book.

[Kristen DeToro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wojnar’s poems are full of amazing imagery that put you inside the mind of schizophrenia. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves poetry and anyone who is trying to cope with a loved one who is dealing with mental illness. The poems offer excellent insight into mental health episodes, while also existing alone as beautiful poetry.