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Stigmaplay
★★★★★ “A wild, satirical and confrontational ride, where trauma and tech form a new and foreboding machine.” Carson Winter, author of The Psychographist
In a future that’s closer than we might like to think, a groundbreaking virtual reality promises to redefine our understanding of mental health—but at what cost?
June has been stuck in a rut both personally and professionally, but she now has a rare opportunity: testing the world’s most advanced VR simulations. The immersive technology claims to reduce stigma by letting users experience life through the minds of people with psychological disorders—from suicidality to eating disorders to psychopathy. Their experiences range across extremes, from prejudice to the worst kinds of abuse. The VR narrative centers on Dr. Virgil Birmingham, a psychiatrist whose clients and community struggle in the wake of a shooting spree.
As June delves deeper into the lives of Dr. Birmingham and his patients, the virtual experiences grow darker, the lines between simulation and reality blur, and the behaviors of the committee behind the project start to raise red flags. The farther June goes, the clearer it becomes that the committee are hiding something.
Prepare yourself for a disturbing journey into a world where empathy comes with a price, and virtual reality may be closer to home than we ever imagined.
In a future that’s closer than we might like to think, a groundbreaking virtual reality promises to redefine our understanding of mental health—but at what cost?
June has been stuck in a rut both personally and professionally, but she now has a rare opportunity: testing the world’s most advanced VR simulations. The immersive technology claims to reduce stigma by letting users experience life through the minds of people with psychological disorders—from suicidality to eating disorders to psychopathy. Their experiences range across extremes, from prejudice to the worst kinds of abuse. The VR narrative centers on Dr. Virgil Birmingham, a psychiatrist whose clients and community struggle in the wake of a shooting spree.
As June delves deeper into the lives of Dr. Birmingham and his patients, the virtual experiences grow darker, the lines between simulation and reality blur, and the behaviors of the committee behind the project start to raise red flags. The farther June goes, the clearer it becomes that the committee are hiding something.
Prepare yourself for a disturbing journey into a world where empathy comes with a price, and virtual reality may be closer to home than we ever imagined.
288 pages, Paperback
Published February 25, 2025
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 20, 2024
Stigmaplay is a thoroughly engrossing work of Near Future – Speculative Fiction. Verlaine takes a giant leap from the here-and-now into what might be, or what might have been; apropos psychological disorders. The reader follows June, a woman in her forties, as she navigates her way through a new, completely unique, and challenging position. She’s been taken on by a group of researchers who have been put together by a prominent psychologist, Dr. Birmingham. The doctor, and his associates, are focused on understanding a person’s mental disorders through the use of virtual reality – Literally; June will walk a mile in another’s shoes. There has been a recent shooting spree, people a grappling with serious emotional trauma, and June is able to experience their struggles first-hand through an alteration of reality. Are the scenarios that have been pieced together fact or fiction? Mental health takes center stage. Laced with a perfect element of wry humor, Stigmaplay becomes almost dreamlike at times; or perhaps maybe nightmarish, depending on one’s perspective. Verlaine’s fluid style keeps the juice running from beginning to end. Be prepared to get on a rollercoaster.
November 30, 2024
this was a fantastic future-thriller novel, it had that feel that I was hoping for from the description. The satire element was well done and was hooking from the first page. The characters had everything that I was hoping for and was engaged with this world and characters. Andrew Verlaine has a strong writing style and was glad this was so well done. It had a scifi element that I was looking for and was glad everything worked together to tell this story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 4, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
WOW... Just WOW! This was quite the trip! The narrative is incredible and draws you into this mind-blowing scenario. I highly recommend diving in (almost) blind to this novel (apart from the essential trigger warning at the beginning). I was taken aback by the characters and their actions (in the best possible way, as this is truly a book designed to shock and provoke thought about the darker aspects of humanity). This is exceptionally well-written, and I cannot stop pondering some of the scenarios encountered in this book.
WOW... Just WOW! This was quite the trip! The narrative is incredible and draws you into this mind-blowing scenario. I highly recommend diving in (almost) blind to this novel (apart from the essential trigger warning at the beginning). I was taken aback by the characters and their actions (in the best possible way, as this is truly a book designed to shock and provoke thought about the darker aspects of humanity). This is exceptionally well-written, and I cannot stop pondering some of the scenarios encountered in this book.
February 24, 2025
I feel very uncertain about my feelings regarding this book. It's clever, well written and a very innovative way to bring mental health issues to the forefront. And wouldn't it be great if we actually had this technology, something that potentially could increase understanding of mental health issues. I had a difficult time at first following the author's format but it finally clicked for me. This was not an easy read, dark and gets darker, and I recommend it with reservations - it's not for everyone!
This ARC was provided by Booksirens and the publisher, the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.
This ARC was provided by Booksirens and the publisher, the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.
January 23, 2025
This is a visionary and thought-provoking novel. It grabbed my attention straight away and never left it until the very end.
It was a journey that was like a rollercoaster, but you didn't know how deep it would drop, or how high it would go - that's why I liked it.
It was a journey that was like a rollercoaster, but you didn't know how deep it would drop, or how high it would go - that's why I liked it.
February 16, 2025
I really loved this book!! The different perspectives were awesome! So different from anything else I’ve read! Definitely recommending this and looking forward to reading more from this author.
March 3, 2025
Loved it… TBC
February 4, 2025
Oh my… what a book. Okay, I did read the forward from the author saying this would be a satirical work on mental health stigma and it would 'touch on problematic representations of characters with various mental health conditions', but I was definitely not prepared for this book. It's interesting as I found myself unable to tear away from it many times, and eager to return to it to see what happened next, but I wasn't exactly enjoying it. I was interested in all of the VR characters with different mental health diagnoses or undiagnosed mental health issues, but they all tended to end abruptly, before a satisfying end to their stories. There would be a slight reference to the conclusion in the next chapter after each simulation, but it was too vague and too infrequent to be satisfying. I also thought the actions of the creators of the VR simulation(s) were just so bizarre and nonsensical that I found myself thinking I had no idea I was reading a sci-fi novel! I also found myself wondering if the committee members were robots or non-human creatures of some kind. The scenes of what they were doing in between the simulations got more and more bizarre with each of their chapters; eating bizarre cheeses made from lactating pregnant mothers then throwing up so they could eat more, suddenly setting up a viewing chamber to all watch their employee June in all of the rooms of her house without her consent, shooting lasers at June when they heard/saw her telling her father she would leave the work assignment to be with her mother who had suffered a falling spell - it was all insane! Also, the random bits of racism thrown in were not appreciated, and I didn't feel they had to do with the mental health images that the author was trying to portray. Another thing - in many of the stories I found myself questioning which mental health disorder the person in the story was supposed to have, if any. There was just a lotttt of ambiguity in the book that left me frustrated. I hoped some of it would be cleared up as I kept going, but I was disappointed in that regard. Also, the last simulation of a young man from Senegal… what was the mental health disorder that was supposed to be portrayed in that story? Or was it just simply a take on the fact that many white/non-black westerners perceive traditional African practices to be some form of mental illness? Certainly the cannibalism was something, but the main character was not a cannibal, so… I have no idea on that one and didn't appreciate it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 21, 2024
It's rare that I read a book that has more than one scene that "lives rent free in my head" for a while after. "Stigmaplay" is the kind of book where around one scene in three is like that.
"Stigmaplay" is like an episode of "Black Mirror" pushed to its limit. The plot follows a beta testing (slash sensitivity reading?) process of a completely immersive VR system. The storylines for this system are from the POV of people with different mental health problems, and the system is supposed to be designed to reduce stigma by letting you live out their experience, first-hand. Although June is the everywoman protagonist testing the technology, we follow the story from the perspective of the committee who are creating these storylines - we very quickly realise that reducing mental health stimga is not their key concern(s).
"Stigmaplay" takes the interesting approach of presenting the simulations themselves to the reader as written chapters. As Verlaine has noted himself, the novel acts as a (very dark) satirical take on the psychological horror genre and its difficult relationship with mental health stigma. Verlaine does pose some difficult questions about what psych horror is trying to do, or how it might shape audience's opinions. At the same time, the book walks a fine line in terms of itself containing some of the most gruelling psychological horror I've come across (albeit it's not a genre I've read that much in). I found one scene about a young woman with an eating disorder so immersed in her mindset that I would be very hesitant to recommend it to anyone with direct experience of this nature. The tonal shifts between the intense VR "screenings", the identifiable life of June the VR tester, and the increasingly bizarre antics of the committee are jarring, but deliberately so, and mostly carried off effectively.
The prose is generally very strong. The various characters we see in the screenings convey a strong sense of "voice" across the chapters about the VR screenings. If I had one gripe, it's that some of the characters seem so comically evil that it makes the satire less hard-hitting - if they had just been more mundanely cynical, it could hit closer to home (then again, this did offer some comic relief when needed).
This is the kind of book one might have to read a few times to fully get all the intersecting ideas going on, although it might be a while before I have the stomach to read this again, lol. In any case, I'll be thinking about this book for some time to come.
"Stigmaplay" is like an episode of "Black Mirror" pushed to its limit. The plot follows a beta testing (slash sensitivity reading?) process of a completely immersive VR system. The storylines for this system are from the POV of people with different mental health problems, and the system is supposed to be designed to reduce stigma by letting you live out their experience, first-hand. Although June is the everywoman protagonist testing the technology, we follow the story from the perspective of the committee who are creating these storylines - we very quickly realise that reducing mental health stimga is not their key concern(s).
"Stigmaplay" takes the interesting approach of presenting the simulations themselves to the reader as written chapters. As Verlaine has noted himself, the novel acts as a (very dark) satirical take on the psychological horror genre and its difficult relationship with mental health stigma. Verlaine does pose some difficult questions about what psych horror is trying to do, or how it might shape audience's opinions. At the same time, the book walks a fine line in terms of itself containing some of the most gruelling psychological horror I've come across (albeit it's not a genre I've read that much in). I found one scene about a young woman with an eating disorder so immersed in her mindset that I would be very hesitant to recommend it to anyone with direct experience of this nature. The tonal shifts between the intense VR "screenings", the identifiable life of June the VR tester, and the increasingly bizarre antics of the committee are jarring, but deliberately so, and mostly carried off effectively.
The prose is generally very strong. The various characters we see in the screenings convey a strong sense of "voice" across the chapters about the VR screenings. If I had one gripe, it's that some of the characters seem so comically evil that it makes the satire less hard-hitting - if they had just been more mundanely cynical, it could hit closer to home (then again, this did offer some comic relief when needed).
This is the kind of book one might have to read a few times to fully get all the intersecting ideas going on, although it might be a while before I have the stomach to read this again, lol. In any case, I'll be thinking about this book for some time to come.
December 29, 2024
"Stigmaplay" is quite unlike anything I've ever read before. The protagonist, June, has been given the opportunity to test run a completely immersive VR simulation series. Each VR story follows a different character, although they are broadly tied together by Dr. Virgil Birmingham, a psychiatrist who treats a lot of the characters. The Committee who are scripting (drafting? creating?) these simulations claim they they will solve stigma by letting June (and future customers) walk a mile in the shoes of people with mental health problems. However, it's no major spoiler to say that the Committee's intentions are not so good as they claim (the novel as a whole is actually from their POV, so we're quickly learning these Committee members are deeply troubling people).
They say the best parodies are created by those who love the genre they're parodying, and this is the case with this book - although Verlaine is trying to make people think more critically about the psychological horror/thriller genre, this novel has some of the most effective work in this genre I've seen in some time. So, unlike say the film "Funny Games" by Haneke, I don't think he's trying to guilttrip people who are into this genre (it'd be hypocritical in some ways for Verlaine to do so). He's just trying to explore how we can think more carefully about this. I think (?) this is further emphasised by how different drafts of the stories are being created.
Though this is a relatively compact novel, it juggles a large number of characters, ideas, voices and styles deftly. It's the kind of book that has immediate impact on a first read (I had to take a break after some of the chapters), but will also be the kind of novel with enough depth to reward repeated readings. Some of Verlaine's play with form becomes somewhat experimental at times, but he pulls off the not-inconsiderable trick of keeping things compelling even when challenging the reader.
As noted by others, this is not a book for everyone, but if you have the stomach for it, "Stigmaplay" is one of the most striking and memorable books you'll come across. You'll want to discuss it with others after finishing it.
They say the best parodies are created by those who love the genre they're parodying, and this is the case with this book - although Verlaine is trying to make people think more critically about the psychological horror/thriller genre, this novel has some of the most effective work in this genre I've seen in some time. So, unlike say the film "Funny Games" by Haneke, I don't think he's trying to guilttrip people who are into this genre (it'd be hypocritical in some ways for Verlaine to do so). He's just trying to explore how we can think more carefully about this. I think (?) this is further emphasised by how different drafts of the stories are being created.
Though this is a relatively compact novel, it juggles a large number of characters, ideas, voices and styles deftly. It's the kind of book that has immediate impact on a first read (I had to take a break after some of the chapters), but will also be the kind of novel with enough depth to reward repeated readings. Some of Verlaine's play with form becomes somewhat experimental at times, but he pulls off the not-inconsiderable trick of keeping things compelling even when challenging the reader.
As noted by others, this is not a book for everyone, but if you have the stomach for it, "Stigmaplay" is one of the most striking and memorable books you'll come across. You'll want to discuss it with others after finishing it.
December 26, 2024
Stigmaplay by Andrew Verlaine is a darkly satirical and thought-provoking novel that explores the unsettling intersection of technology, social media, and mental health. Set in a near-future world obsessed with online image and reputation, the story centers around "Stigmaplay," a controversial social media platform where users can publicly confess their deepest, most shameful secrets for online validation and social currency.
The novel delves into the psychological and societal implications of this platform, examining how it exploits human vulnerabilities, exacerbates existing mental health crises, and fuels a culture of performative self-destruction. Verlaine masterfully crafts a chillingly believable world where the lines between genuine expression and manufactured outrage blur, and where the pursuit of online acceptance can have devastating real-world consequences.
"Stigmaplay" is a challenging but ultimately rewarding read. It's a powerful commentary on the toxic nature of social media, the pressures of online validation, and the importance of authentic self-expression in a hyper-connected world. While the dark humor and unflinching portrayal of societal decay may not be for everyone, the novel's sharp social commentary and its exploration of the human condition make it a compelling and unforgettable experience.
Recommendation:
"Stigmaplay" is recommended for readers who enjoy dark satire, dystopian fiction, and thought-provoking explorations of contemporary issues.
The novel delves into the psychological and societal implications of this platform, examining how it exploits human vulnerabilities, exacerbates existing mental health crises, and fuels a culture of performative self-destruction. Verlaine masterfully crafts a chillingly believable world where the lines between genuine expression and manufactured outrage blur, and where the pursuit of online acceptance can have devastating real-world consequences.
"Stigmaplay" is a challenging but ultimately rewarding read. It's a powerful commentary on the toxic nature of social media, the pressures of online validation, and the importance of authentic self-expression in a hyper-connected world. While the dark humor and unflinching portrayal of societal decay may not be for everyone, the novel's sharp social commentary and its exploration of the human condition make it a compelling and unforgettable experience.
Recommendation:
"Stigmaplay" is recommended for readers who enjoy dark satire, dystopian fiction, and thought-provoking explorations of contemporary issues.
December 28, 2024
Not gonna lie, although there was a lot of stuff to admire here, I didn't enjoy this book. One blurb compared it to "American Psycho", and although this is a different book in many ways (I think people will at least find "Stigmaplay" more entertaining than Ellis's book), what they have in common is they seem to go beyond being somewhat dark to tapping into something genuinely evil.
The author has talent - there are moments of uncanny imagination here. Nonetheless, regardless of the stated intent of the author to satirise negative attitudes etc., I found it difficult to be inside the minds of such extraorindarily horrible characters for the duration of the book. There are effective sleights of hand to feel like you're in the minds of secondary characters in the story-within-the-story, which lend some moments a sense of empathy or even warmth. Nonetheless, Verlaine's villain protagonists are never really out of the driving seat here.
The pastiche of different writing styles in the "real world" of the novel's main narrative are (deliberately?) alienating, although Verlaine seems to understand so many different registers/styles of writing that I wonder how many day jobs he has had in his past.
Overall, a book that is easier to admire at a technical level than it is to enjoy, and for me this was just a little too dark for its own good.
The author has talent - there are moments of uncanny imagination here. Nonetheless, regardless of the stated intent of the author to satirise negative attitudes etc., I found it difficult to be inside the minds of such extraorindarily horrible characters for the duration of the book. There are effective sleights of hand to feel like you're in the minds of secondary characters in the story-within-the-story, which lend some moments a sense of empathy or even warmth. Nonetheless, Verlaine's villain protagonists are never really out of the driving seat here.
The pastiche of different writing styles in the "real world" of the novel's main narrative are (deliberately?) alienating, although Verlaine seems to understand so many different registers/styles of writing that I wonder how many day jobs he has had in his past.
Overall, a book that is easier to admire at a technical level than it is to enjoy, and for me this was just a little too dark for its own good.
January 14, 2025
Andrew Verlaine doesn't hold back in this bold dystopian debut that feels like a dark and twisty episode of the TV show, Black Mirror. Be prepared for quite the ride through a variety of mental health experiences, with interesting characters and scenarios that will keep you on the edge of your seat! The blur between reality and the virtual world leaves you wondering what is real and what is fantasy, all while making you think about your own opinions and judgements toward mental health issues (or your own mental health struggles!).
I love how the characters experiences all start intertwining, with the thread of a local mass shooting woven throughout. We even get to see the perspective from the shooter, which is written in a fresh and innovative way -- with the far past, recent past, and present all in one scene in a way that is beyond brilliant. Verlaine's style is fantastic, with experimental and cutting-edge prose making this novel unlike anything I've read before.
I enjoyed the main character, June, but would've liked to have connected more with her since she was the one thread keeping all the stories alive. I was able to stomach almost all of the scenes except one closer to the end, which left me feeling a bit nauseous. Definitely brace yourself for some intense moments!
I recommend this book for fans of sci-fi and dystopian thrillers, or anyone who loves dark stuff. This is a must-read for fans of Black Mirror or those looking for something new and different. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I love how the characters experiences all start intertwining, with the thread of a local mass shooting woven throughout. We even get to see the perspective from the shooter, which is written in a fresh and innovative way -- with the far past, recent past, and present all in one scene in a way that is beyond brilliant. Verlaine's style is fantastic, with experimental and cutting-edge prose making this novel unlike anything I've read before.
I enjoyed the main character, June, but would've liked to have connected more with her since she was the one thread keeping all the stories alive. I was able to stomach almost all of the scenes except one closer to the end, which left me feeling a bit nauseous. Definitely brace yourself for some intense moments!
I recommend this book for fans of sci-fi and dystopian thrillers, or anyone who loves dark stuff. This is a must-read for fans of Black Mirror or those looking for something new and different. I look forward to reading more from this author.
January 10, 2025
What if we used virtual reality to simulate and empathize with psychological disorders? Such is the premise of Stigmaplay. In this story, June, a middle-aged woman between jobs, agrees to test this advanced VR technology. By hooking up to neural implants, she experiences the lives of different characters – and all the characters are carefully woven into an interconnected story. As June immerses herself into the minds of the misunderstood, she gets closer and closer to the Committee – a team of researchers who is developing and testing this technology. However, the Committee is not all that they seem. Behind closed doors (or VR chambers) they become something entirely unexpected, begging questions like: What is real? Who is in charge? What is the true motive of this technology? Overall, I loved the writing of this story, and I loved how Verlaine chose the characters/disorders that he did. With plenty of wit, humor, and visuals, Stigmaplay takes empathy to the extreme. It explores the parts of the human mind that few dare to explore.
May 15, 2025
Stigmaplay is a creatively told original story that investigates mental health stigma through the highly topical concept of VR. While some of the book's elements are speculative about future tech, it is all mostly plausible in its presentation. Andrew uses a number of very different literary approaches to tell the story, ranging from job applications to half-written scientific papers. This helps to keep the story fresh and no part overstays its welcome. There are definitely some intense scenes that might turn the stomach of a squeamish reader, but the author amply highlights this at the beginning of the book. Really recommend this.
*Disclosure: The author is personally known to me, but I paid for my copy of my book.
*Disclosure: The author is personally known to me, but I paid for my copy of my book.
June 10, 2025
A witty sociological adventure that offers a refreshingly honest look at the complications of everyday life. With strong, accurate language and humor that cuts to the bone Stigma Play captures the small but significant moments we most of the time overlook. What stood out to me most is how this book made me chuckle and nod at the sheer realness of its depictions of mental health. It doesn't shy away from the tough stuff. It leans in with irony. A smart, funny, and accurate read that will linger in your mind. Well done!
December 5, 2024
Andrew Verlaine has created an immersive and ambitious piece of experimental fiction - shocking and compelling in equal measure. I couldn't put it down!
January 17, 2025
Terrible book, plot, and overall story. The authors completely unhinged for writing such a terrible book.
March 8, 2025
The VR sections of the book were the best parts.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 30, 2025
The GOAT.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews