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Love in the Asylum
Can love save those who believe they are beyond redemption? That is the question at the heart of this eagerly anticipated new novel by the acclaimed author of In the Country of the Young and The Mermaids Singing, an utterly remarkable tale of salvation at the last possible moment in the last place imaginable. Alba Elliot is tired of being crazy. In and out of Abenaki Mental Hospital more than a dozen times in ten years, fed up with diagnoses that come without cures and a life organized by a days-of-the-week pill case, the twenty-five-year-old children's book writer is waiting for a miracle. Oscar Jameson, a thirty-year-old drug addict enrolled in the rehab program by his frustrated brother, is not looking for anything so profound. Oscar doesn't believe he has a problem, despite the fact that his "recreation" has cost him everything. He resents the counselors, the other addicts, and his brother, all of whom insist he belongs there. The only activity Oscar looks forward to is the spirited, sarcastic conversations that have begun with Alba on the hospital lawn. And so two damaged souls forge a connection. To call it love would be courting disaster since no bright future could possibly exist between a suicidal manic-depressive and a self-deluding junkie. Then one day, in the back pages of a hospital library book, Alba finds a letter written seventy years earlier but never sent. Mary Doherty, who was committed by her husband and taken from her children, left behind secret missives about the atrocities done to her and her belief in an ancient healing power. As Alba pieces together Mary's heartbreaking chronicle, she begins to set her hopes on a different kind of medicine. Brought together by chance, influenced by forces as beautiful and powerful as they are unforeseen, Alba and Oscar will slowly rise from the ashes of despair and self-destruction and, in the midst of righting an old wrong, begin to heal their battered spirits. A superbly crafted, poignant narrative of tragedy and triumph, Lisa Carey's moving third novel is a testament to the surprising resilience of the human heart.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
30 people are currently reading
925 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Carey
8 books221 followersLisa Carey was born in 1970 in Boston, Massachusetts to Irish-American parents. She grew up in Brookline and later moved with her family to Hingham, Massachusetts.
She attended Boston College and received a B.A. in English and Philosophy in 1992.
Pursuing her MFA in Writing, she took a semester off and lived in Inishbofin, Ireland for six months. There, Carey began her first novel, The Mermaids Singing. This novel was her creative thesis for her MFA and she graduated from Vermont College in 1996.
For five years, Carey divided her time between Ireland and New England, where she wrote her next two novels, In the Country of the Young and Love in the Asylum.
In 2003, she married Timothy Spalding. They moved to Portland, Maine, where she finished her fourth novel, Every Visible Thing. They live there still with their son, Liam Patrick. She returns to Ireland whenever she can.
She recently finished her fifth novel, The Stolen Child, which will be published by HarperCollins in January, 2017.
She attended Boston College and received a B.A. in English and Philosophy in 1992.
Pursuing her MFA in Writing, she took a semester off and lived in Inishbofin, Ireland for six months. There, Carey began her first novel, The Mermaids Singing. This novel was her creative thesis for her MFA and she graduated from Vermont College in 1996.
For five years, Carey divided her time between Ireland and New England, where she wrote her next two novels, In the Country of the Young and Love in the Asylum.
In 2003, she married Timothy Spalding. They moved to Portland, Maine, where she finished her fourth novel, Every Visible Thing. They live there still with their son, Liam Patrick. She returns to Ireland whenever she can.
She recently finished her fifth novel, The Stolen Child, which will be published by HarperCollins in January, 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
May 19, 2014
I really enjoyed this novel, which has aspects of mystery and romance, but is ultimately simply a story about human experience.
Alba-- a young woman with severe bipolar disorder-- befriends Oscar, a drug addict, during their stay at a mental health clinic. Despite their initial suspicion of one another, they also experience a strong mutual attraction that draws them together. Alba also becomes immersed in the story of a woman who was at the clinic many years before, whose unsent letters she finds hidden in the clinic's library.
This book speaks to both the practical and spiritual aspects of the experiences that we consider "mental illness," as well as different cultural interpretations of those experiences. Rather than prioritizing one viewpoint over the other, Carey addresses the fact that both the soul and body may need different kinds of treatments in order for a person to reach a state of "mental health." The book includes a disturbing look at the history of "treatments" imposed on the mentally ill and makes a strong argument for respecting the human dignity and subjective experiences of patients, no matter how much they have lost touch with reality.
Quotes:
"For all my life, sleeping has been a simple joy. I lay my head down-- where does not seem to matter, strange beds do not affect me-- and I fall, slowly but firmly, away from the world. When I was a child, I believed that I left my body when I slept. I could feel it, the sensation of separating from my heavy limbs on the mattress. I seemed to fall out of myself, through the bed and into the land of my dreams, which, though sometimes frightening, were always spectacular, and seemed to make more sense to me than the world I stummbled through while awake." - From one of Mary's letters, p 67
"Her libido (Dr. Miller's word; to Alba is sounds suggestively reptilian) for years now has been, at best, unreliable. Depression renders sex unimaginable, mania leaves it unsatisfying, medication makes it impossible. Alba has come to think of her sex drive as a visitor who knowcks so infrequently, she often doesn't think to open the door.
"Attraction, for Alba, has become something that occurs only in her mind... Men have been known to say things to Alba that cause small, savory explosions in her thoughts-- a mental version of an orgasm." p 76
Alba-- a young woman with severe bipolar disorder-- befriends Oscar, a drug addict, during their stay at a mental health clinic. Despite their initial suspicion of one another, they also experience a strong mutual attraction that draws them together. Alba also becomes immersed in the story of a woman who was at the clinic many years before, whose unsent letters she finds hidden in the clinic's library.
This book speaks to both the practical and spiritual aspects of the experiences that we consider "mental illness," as well as different cultural interpretations of those experiences. Rather than prioritizing one viewpoint over the other, Carey addresses the fact that both the soul and body may need different kinds of treatments in order for a person to reach a state of "mental health." The book includes a disturbing look at the history of "treatments" imposed on the mentally ill and makes a strong argument for respecting the human dignity and subjective experiences of patients, no matter how much they have lost touch with reality.
Quotes:
"For all my life, sleeping has been a simple joy. I lay my head down-- where does not seem to matter, strange beds do not affect me-- and I fall, slowly but firmly, away from the world. When I was a child, I believed that I left my body when I slept. I could feel it, the sensation of separating from my heavy limbs on the mattress. I seemed to fall out of myself, through the bed and into the land of my dreams, which, though sometimes frightening, were always spectacular, and seemed to make more sense to me than the world I stummbled through while awake." - From one of Mary's letters, p 67
"Her libido (Dr. Miller's word; to Alba is sounds suggestively reptilian) for years now has been, at best, unreliable. Depression renders sex unimaginable, mania leaves it unsatisfying, medication makes it impossible. Alba has come to think of her sex drive as a visitor who knowcks so infrequently, she often doesn't think to open the door.
"Attraction, for Alba, has become something that occurs only in her mind... Men have been known to say things to Alba that cause small, savory explosions in her thoughts-- a mental version of an orgasm." p 76
August 2, 2009
Alba is crazy. She's been institutionalized off and on since she was fifteen. Oscar is an addict. He doesn't believe he's hit rock bottom or think that his using of drugs is a problem. These two people meet when both are committed to Abenaki Hospital in rural Maine. From their first meeting, a spark of something that could take them both beyond their troubles appears. Is it possible to find love in the asylum?
This book was not quite what I expected as I got further into it. Alba and Oscar are both very real and interesting characters, but I found the story's strength in the intertwining narrative of Mary X. At first, I was put off by what I saw as an intrusion in the story of Alba and Oscar but soon, I changed my tune. The Mary X story was incredibly unique and interesting and, I think, ended up a stronger story than that of Alba and Oscar. I was happy that Alba stumbled upon Mary X's story and used it to propel her own story further. Well done, but lacks some polish. Will probably read other Lisa Carey in the future.
This book was not quite what I expected as I got further into it. Alba and Oscar are both very real and interesting characters, but I found the story's strength in the intertwining narrative of Mary X. At first, I was put off by what I saw as an intrusion in the story of Alba and Oscar but soon, I changed my tune. The Mary X story was incredibly unique and interesting and, I think, ended up a stronger story than that of Alba and Oscar. I was happy that Alba stumbled upon Mary X's story and used it to propel her own story further. Well done, but lacks some polish. Will probably read other Lisa Carey in the future.
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March 3, 2013Lisa is still one of my favorites, and I haven't met her, we've just exchanged emails, so I get to keep my unbiased status.
July 5, 2019
Lack of conversational quote marks drive me crazy. It masquerades as "modern" but is just laziness. One cannot tell whether a statement is in the character's mind or a part of the conversation—especially as the author does not clarify. I should have ditched this book right in the beginning just for that.
The whole plot was pretty juvenile. Love? There was zero love. I stayed to the last page looking for something to happen. Anything. Finally on the very last page, there was a small hint of a possible positive outcome.
This should be classified YA. She does write for a very 'young' audience. I really liked one of her other books but not this one. I would not recommend this one to a thirteen year old.
The whole plot was pretty juvenile. Love? There was zero love. I stayed to the last page looking for something to happen. Anything. Finally on the very last page, there was a small hint of a possible positive outcome.
This should be classified YA. She does write for a very 'young' audience. I really liked one of her other books but not this one. I would not recommend this one to a thirteen year old.
November 18, 2023
such a special book
June 24, 2009
I actually really liked this book. If you're into addictions or psychology at all you'll enjoy it.
Love in the Asylum would have received 5 stars from me if only for one element were removed, even modified. I was completely uninterested with the storyline about the woman writing the letters in the backs of books, and her whole story. It was interesting at the beginning, but quickly became boring. If her storyline had been tied in a little better, or cut down a little, it would have worked much better with the rest of the book. I found Oscar completely intriguing and Alba interesting, and if the book had focused solely on them it would have been phenomenal.
Love in the Asylum would have received 5 stars from me if only for one element were removed, even modified. I was completely uninterested with the storyline about the woman writing the letters in the backs of books, and her whole story. It was interesting at the beginning, but quickly became boring. If her storyline had been tied in a little better, or cut down a little, it would have worked much better with the rest of the book. I found Oscar completely intriguing and Alba interesting, and if the book had focused solely on them it would have been phenomenal.
October 28, 2008
I was really shocked with this book, I usually go to the library with a list, Ive done the research, Ive read the first chapter on google books..Ive read all the ratings and reviews here at good reads, because I dont do well picking up a book randomely like that, Ive read to many baaad books that way..but I was unable to go to the library prepared, but I thought, thats ok...grabbing a Jodi Picoult is usually good...plus my book club book, and Im finishing a few series..but I walked by this one and just decided to try it out, and it was GREAT! great story, great characers...I really enjoyed it.
February 2, 2010
well, i liked this book. i certainly didn't love it. i felt equally engrossed in both oscar & alba's stories and the letters from the library. when those began intertwining, the story dropped off a bit for me. the ending felt rushed, like "here's the conclusion, yay, the end!" don't get me wrong, i appreciated the direction the characters took at the novel's end but it felt a bit too perfect. all in all, a good read.
February 27, 2008
I loved this book. At the time that I read I was working with mentally ill patients and so I created images for all the characters in the book from my clients.
The book totally captivated me, it was so visual and real. Every night when I went to read it was like I was going back to a real place and time.
The book totally captivated me, it was so visual and real. Every night when I went to read it was like I was going back to a real place and time.
December 10, 2010
I really think I love this book. A lot. It has that past mystery aspect that always grabs me, the story was so captivating and the characters incredibly likable. Their afflictions were really backseat to the strength of their personalities and the story, only serving as vehicles for the plots advancement. A sad and beautiful narrative, exactly what I was in the mood for.
July 26, 2011
I liked this book and I'm not even sure why. It tells the love story of an addict and a bi-polar inmate, parralled by old letters from a woman who was institutionalized in the same asylum many years before. It questions the line between spriituality and sanity, and suggests that perhaps the two are not that far apart.
September 15, 2008
I've read this book at least twice, and each time I get sucked into it. The characters are so real and moving that I can't help crying at parts, right along with them. This book really touched me, and I'd recommend it to almost anyone.
July 7, 2009
I just happened upon one of this author's books, then I read all I could find. I can't wait until she writes more!
August 16, 2017
I found this book to be both a sad and an interesting read. There is so much sadness in this story, sexual abuse, mental health, mothers displaced from their children, addiction, to name the most compelling. While at the same time there is love, the human desire to help others, the healing act of writing, and the ever present feeling of hopefulness. The story reads like a story within a story, pealing back layers from both simultaneously until the two are joined. The author describes the ravages of mental health and addiction battles accurately and compassionately.
I really enjoyed the connection to the past and also the Native American portion of the storyline. The story gave credence to the cultural identity of native Americans and the healers in their society.
I gave this 5 stars as it was an artfully told story of the human experience and I really enjoyed it
I really enjoyed the connection to the past and also the Native American portion of the storyline. The story gave credence to the cultural identity of native Americans and the healers in their society.
I gave this 5 stars as it was an artfully told story of the human experience and I really enjoyed it
November 5, 2018
Alba meets Oscar in the confines of the Abenaki (formerly known as St. Dymphna’s) Hospital for patients with mental illness (Alba Elliot) and addiction (Oscar Jameson). This unlikely pair finds themselves drawn to each other for a poignant, oftentimes tumultuous yet profound relationship. Alba discovers some old letters that were written by a former patient of the asylum who was committed there by her husband; she wrote them to her son and she never got to see any of her children so she wrote to them in the backs of books in the hospital’s library (she was not allowed to have paper). Was she a gifted healer, or was she just plain crazy? Was she both? The reader ends up becoming equally involved in the story of Mary Doherty whose letters Alba finds, as well as the story of Alba herself. A very interesting novel, and an engaging and quick read.
November 24, 2022
I almost quit on this book three times. I'll concede that the structure is clever, the premise inviting, and the writing serviceable. I think the author did a decent job of showing/not telling what it's like for a drug-addicted young man (Oscar) and a mentally ill young women (Alba) to navigate the treatments in a rehab facility. The tentative nature of their romantic relationship felt authentic as portrayed. And comparing and contrasting their experiences with that of "Mary", an Abenaki woman committed to the same facility 100 years previously, was a solid literary approach. But for me, the narrative was heavy-going in the beginning and the plot slow to reveal itself. So I personally struggled to see it through to the end. (I did finish it, though.)
September 4, 2025
This book was so weird and intriguing, towing the line between spirituality and insanity. The Mary X story started off very slow but I eventually found it engrossing. I was left with questions as to whether it was really Mary or Uda raped in the farm by the uncle but of course that’s the point. I think the book would be stronger if it had more linkage between the two stories or Alba’s thoughts on the letters. I felt like the end was too rushed and would also have liked to see more of Oscar and Alba’s relationship developing there.
March 8, 2018
This is the 3rd time I've read this book. Obviously, I like it. I enjoy the characterization and dialogue, as well as the storytelling. I agree with others that the end felt rushed. so much happened very quickly and Carey didn't take the same time with exploring the character experience amidst all the action. Perhaps she did this so as not to slow the pacing, but I missed the depth of character that was revealed with a slower and more detailed pace.
August 12, 2018
I recently attended a workshop given by this author. The book has three story lines involving three patients in a mental hospital: a man with a drug addiction problem, a woman who suffers from schizophrenia, and a long-deceased Native American patient who may or may not have been a healer. As with a lot of books, I thought the ending was a little too perfect, but the story kept me reading.
June 10, 2018
Interesting novel concerning the inpatients of a mental health facility, over the years. A look at traditional healing by indigenous peoples. Focusing mostly on two people, one dealing with bipolar, one involved with illicit drugs and alcohol.
December 27, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. Loved the story line, very authentic and loved her style of writing. This is the first book I have read by this Author and plan to read more by her. Highly recommend. Loved the ending as well.
May 13, 2025
I’m having a hard time rating this book. I felt like it was 2 books jammed into one, but I liked both but I felt
Like one story had nothing to do with the other. Also the ending was so frustrating I need more information!
Like one story had nothing to do with the other. Also the ending was so frustrating I need more information!
November 30, 2018
Very engrossing but the more I reflected on it, it just seemed like the characters, and their backstories, were a bit too cliched. I do recommend it.
July 25, 2019
Intrigerend boek.
February 20, 2021
3.5⭐️ I thoroughly enjoyed this book! At the introduction of Mary’s story, I was immediately hooked into both story lines. It’s sad to think that women truly were treated the way Mary was back then.
December 31, 2021
Truly engrossing. I couldn't put it down
December 31, 2024
Incredible representation of mental health issues, as well as Indigenous culture. Got through it in about 2 days, would definitely recommend.
January 5, 2025
Great read! Great portrayal of mental health and cultural stigma
October 2, 2020
This book follows our female protagonist, 25 year old children's book writer Alba, a manic depressive who has been in and out of the asylum for years. Portrayed as a hopeless case, things seem to change when 30 year old Oscar enters the asylum. A relationship between the two brews as Alba dwells on Oscar as well as a century old story hidden within the pages in the institution's library.
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This book had a strong start, I was very much invested in both characters. However I didn't care much for the 'century old story' we come across throughout the book. In fact I very much anticipated the chapters where the plot focused solely on Alba and Oscar.
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This isn't to say I didn't enjoy it because I did. I found myself annotating the book despite having no intentions on doing so in the beginning.
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The ending was somewhat predicatble, but I appreciate it for what it is. The book includes heavy themes and so one must read with caution.
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A solid 3 stars from me. Was expecting it to go higher but it was still an enjoyable read.
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This book had a strong start, I was very much invested in both characters. However I didn't care much for the 'century old story' we come across throughout the book. In fact I very much anticipated the chapters where the plot focused solely on Alba and Oscar.
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This isn't to say I didn't enjoy it because I did. I found myself annotating the book despite having no intentions on doing so in the beginning.
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The ending was somewhat predicatble, but I appreciate it for what it is. The book includes heavy themes and so one must read with caution.
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A solid 3 stars from me. Was expecting it to go higher but it was still an enjoyable read.
November 16, 2016
At first I wasn't completely in love with this book. It seemed like it was going to be like any other book about people with mental illness or addictions. It redeemed itself the further I read. I especially like how the story of the patient from the past was interwoven with the current story happening between Oscar and Alba.
Oscar is a classic example of someone not addressing their true issues, opting instead to drown them under drug use. Alba is suppressed under a "well-meaning" father, having had mental instability for most of her life. Is this an inherited sickness from her mother, or a side effect of not being able to truly live? Oddly enough it appears that Oscar and Alba need each other to be able to finally face their demons once and for all.
Mary was a patient at the asylum many years ago when treatments were more torture than helpful and she was locked away by an unloving husband and was never allowed to see her children again. Her story and ultimately even the story of her son is a sad one, and from it Alba learns to see a bit of the truth in her own situation.
Oscar is a classic example of someone not addressing their true issues, opting instead to drown them under drug use. Alba is suppressed under a "well-meaning" father, having had mental instability for most of her life. Is this an inherited sickness from her mother, or a side effect of not being able to truly live? Oddly enough it appears that Oscar and Alba need each other to be able to finally face their demons once and for all.
Mary was a patient at the asylum many years ago when treatments were more torture than helpful and she was locked away by an unloving husband and was never allowed to see her children again. Her story and ultimately even the story of her son is a sad one, and from it Alba learns to see a bit of the truth in her own situation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews