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Mad Sisters
"An indispensable book for those of us who love someone with a mental illness." - New York Times bestselling author Pete Earley
A poignant memoir of a caregiver’s lifelong struggle to break through the barrier of her sibling’s mental illness in search of sisterhood.
Through evocative personal stories, Susan Grundy compassionately explores the devastating consequences of her older sister’s severe mental illness. Her diagnosis of schizophrenia at age thirteen eventually leads their disheartened parents to move away to start a new life and to the jarring progression of Susan from a free-spirited little sister into a trapped caregiver.
Susan, candidly and with brave honesty, describes the caregiver push-pull whirlpool where she alternates between fury at her sister’s resentful and jealous moods and being flooded with sympathy and guilt - why her and not me? But still, Susan is unable to step away. This memoir, slipping back and forth in chronology, underlines how the past infuses the present. The sisters’ journey is woven with resilience and humour and radiates with the potential for well-being and hope despite the collateral damage of a mental illness.
Mad Sisters passionately sounds the alarm about the ongoing lack of resources in the mental health care system. This memoir heartbreakingly sheds light on the burdened family caregiver - the “invisible healthcare partner.” Susan spotlights the less common theme of the sibling caregiver and the resulting complexity of skewed family roles.
A poignant memoir of a caregiver’s lifelong struggle to break through the barrier of her sibling’s mental illness in search of sisterhood.
Through evocative personal stories, Susan Grundy compassionately explores the devastating consequences of her older sister’s severe mental illness. Her diagnosis of schizophrenia at age thirteen eventually leads their disheartened parents to move away to start a new life and to the jarring progression of Susan from a free-spirited little sister into a trapped caregiver.
Susan, candidly and with brave honesty, describes the caregiver push-pull whirlpool where she alternates between fury at her sister’s resentful and jealous moods and being flooded with sympathy and guilt - why her and not me? But still, Susan is unable to step away. This memoir, slipping back and forth in chronology, underlines how the past infuses the present. The sisters’ journey is woven with resilience and humour and radiates with the potential for well-being and hope despite the collateral damage of a mental illness.
Mad Sisters passionately sounds the alarm about the ongoing lack of resources in the mental health care system. This memoir heartbreakingly sheds light on the burdened family caregiver - the “invisible healthcare partner.” Susan spotlights the less common theme of the sibling caregiver and the resulting complexity of skewed family roles.
- GenresMemoir
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 25, 2026
Full transparency: I read this book because I heard the author read an excerpt at a community event, and was transfixed. Rarely have I read a memoir that touched me as closely as this one did. Mental health affects us all, one way or another, or both ways, coming and going. I had flashbacks, and kept shaking my head at the ways that Grundy evoked feelings that I have never been able to express. I paraphrase: I'm not perfect, I don't see myself as a saint, I'm not selfless... I'm doing my damned best to be whatever you need to get you through the day, the week, the month, your life... yet you resent me, you hate me, you need me, you love me, you resent me... Argh!
This memoir is a masterpiece of resilience and perseverance, of honesty and humility. I look forward to the next instalment - this story is not finished.
ADDEDNDUM: April 2026 - I just read this book for the second time. It is as poignant the second time around. Mental illness does not claim just one victim. The mental health of the family member who doesn’t turn their back on the patient, who continues to love them and support them and accompany them becomes compromised as well. Thank you Susan for casting a light on the plight of the caregiver, the myriad compromises and sacrifices, affronts and hurts. Beautifully rendered.
This memoir is a masterpiece of resilience and perseverance, of honesty and humility. I look forward to the next instalment - this story is not finished.
ADDEDNDUM: April 2026 - I just read this book for the second time. It is as poignant the second time around. Mental illness does not claim just one victim. The mental health of the family member who doesn’t turn their back on the patient, who continues to love them and support them and accompany them becomes compromised as well. Thank you Susan for casting a light on the plight of the caregiver, the myriad compromises and sacrifices, affronts and hurts. Beautifully rendered.
February 27, 2025
There is so much to like about this book.
First, more people reading about mental health is always good, and this is not one that people can pick apart as not really mental health. Also, the young age of diagnosis is an important message too.
Second, both sisters have a high likability for different reasons. Susan is so real in her struggles and love for her sick sister. Nancy has character that is seen throughout the book. She’s struggling through her sickness but her individuality shines through.
Third, the reader can really feel for the struggle for Susan to balance her love for her sister, her need to be better for her than their parents, her up and downs with a sense of obligation and the complete despair she feels when her sister is having an episode.
Fourth, it is very well written. The two timelines that must converge was a really appealing way to read this. Each chapter, having the girls story from a younger age followed by their story in their middle years was a great way to organize the story.
As indicated, this does seem to end abruptly. I wonder if this is purposeful. I think it could represent that even in this moment of contentment, it’s just part of the never ending cycle. Or, since Susan is trying to find a balance in how much of Nancy’s sickness she can help and own, this might represent her finding that balance.
First, more people reading about mental health is always good, and this is not one that people can pick apart as not really mental health. Also, the young age of diagnosis is an important message too.
Second, both sisters have a high likability for different reasons. Susan is so real in her struggles and love for her sick sister. Nancy has character that is seen throughout the book. She’s struggling through her sickness but her individuality shines through.
Third, the reader can really feel for the struggle for Susan to balance her love for her sister, her need to be better for her than their parents, her up and downs with a sense of obligation and the complete despair she feels when her sister is having an episode.
Fourth, it is very well written. The two timelines that must converge was a really appealing way to read this. Each chapter, having the girls story from a younger age followed by their story in their middle years was a great way to organize the story.
As indicated, this does seem to end abruptly. I wonder if this is purposeful. I think it could represent that even in this moment of contentment, it’s just part of the never ending cycle. Or, since Susan is trying to find a balance in how much of Nancy’s sickness she can help and own, this might represent her finding that balance.
January 9, 2025
I read this book in fairly short increments as, although my experience is different, it hits a bit close to home!
It is a strong story of the effect mental disorder has on extended family and friends, and the cruelty of peers resulting from a lack of understanding. The shame and embarrassment, and accompanying guilt, Susan felt while growing up caused her to block certain memories, although others are described in a stark manner.
It is also a description of the love/hate relationship that exists between the ‘victim’ and the ‘carer’, due to the frustration of lack of success in medical treatment.
With each chapter written in two timelines, beginning with Susan’s long-term memories and switching to ‘present’ time, a ‘scene break’ would have made it easier for the reader to adjust attention accordingly. However, this reader also speculates if the abrupt change is deliberate on the author’s part to demonstrate the unexpected adjustments Susan has to make in reaction to the equally sudden mood changes and behaviour Nancy undergoes?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is a strong story of the effect mental disorder has on extended family and friends, and the cruelty of peers resulting from a lack of understanding. The shame and embarrassment, and accompanying guilt, Susan felt while growing up caused her to block certain memories, although others are described in a stark manner.
It is also a description of the love/hate relationship that exists between the ‘victim’ and the ‘carer’, due to the frustration of lack of success in medical treatment.
With each chapter written in two timelines, beginning with Susan’s long-term memories and switching to ‘present’ time, a ‘scene break’ would have made it easier for the reader to adjust attention accordingly. However, this reader also speculates if the abrupt change is deliberate on the author’s part to demonstrate the unexpected adjustments Susan has to make in reaction to the equally sudden mood changes and behaviour Nancy undergoes?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 15, 2025
This was quite the trip down the rabbit hole. As a study of the pathology of living in a family with (multiple) individuals who have a mental illness this paints a terrifying portrait.
While I don’t have experience with schizophrenia, as in this title, I do have experience with bi-polar (as in The Widow’s Guide to Dead Bastards)... this stands, as does that title, to really serve to have the reader “get it” in a very profound way by the end.
Speaking of the ending, I’m still puzzling my way through that. It just ended so… abruptly. It felt unfinished. Like the author ran out of steam - which I totally get. But it felt like too much of a hard stop. I wasn’t ready for it… so is that a “me” problem or a writing problem? I’m not sure.
While I don’t have experience with schizophrenia, as in this title, I do have experience with bi-polar (as in The Widow’s Guide to Dead Bastards)... this stands, as does that title, to really serve to have the reader “get it” in a very profound way by the end.
Speaking of the ending, I’m still puzzling my way through that. It just ended so… abruptly. It felt unfinished. Like the author ran out of steam - which I totally get. But it felt like too much of a hard stop. I wasn’t ready for it… so is that a “me” problem or a writing problem? I’m not sure.
July 11, 2025
I have read quite a few memoirs lately and this one held my attention more than any of the others. Once I got into it, I found Nancy and Susan impossible to turn away from. This was a difficult book but it was beautifully written and offered a deep look into the world of chronic mental illness in a world not set up for it.
My only critique was that it ended quite suddenly. I was reading an ebook, not paying attention to what page I was on and I just suddenly thought, “Oh. I guess that’s the end.” I suppose since these women are still living their story, it makes sense that nothing felt wrapped up.
I’m glad to have read this book.
My only critique was that it ended quite suddenly. I was reading an ebook, not paying attention to what page I was on and I just suddenly thought, “Oh. I guess that’s the end.” I suppose since these women are still living their story, it makes sense that nothing felt wrapped up.
I’m glad to have read this book.
February 25, 2025
Mental health is something that we don't often hear about first hand from family. This gives you a insight into how it affects family members and others around. It's raw, heart warming, funny and honest. I love the fact that Susan the author does not leave the raw parts out such as how mental health can be selfish. How it can take up your time to care for a loved one with a mental illness even if you choose to do so. Well written was a pleasure to read as a ARC reader.
December 24, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is magical, sad, gut-wrenching, and beautiful. For anyone who lives with a family member, loved one, or friend with a mental illness, this is a must-read. Thank you, Susan, for sharing your story. Susan is a great writer and this is a 5-star read.
This is magical, sad, gut-wrenching, and beautiful. For anyone who lives with a family member, loved one, or friend with a mental illness, this is a must-read. Thank you, Susan, for sharing your story. Susan is a great writer and this is a 5-star read.
January 14, 2025
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily*
I loved this book. It is a true story about a sister supporting her older sister who is diagnosed with schizophrenia at 13. It was witty, raw, intense, and beautifully exemplified the complexity of sisterhood & mental illness. It was a really interesting story, that I would take a break from and still be thinking of. You should read this book !!
I loved this book. It is a true story about a sister supporting her older sister who is diagnosed with schizophrenia at 13. It was witty, raw, intense, and beautifully exemplified the complexity of sisterhood & mental illness. It was a really interesting story, that I would take a break from and still be thinking of. You should read this book !!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews