If
You Left
introduces readers to Althea, who has been diagnosed with
a disease that several people have -- bipolar, also known
as manic depression. Althea is faced with a deep depression,
an inpatient stay, manic behavior, a child that she cannot
attach to, and a husband who is not quite what he seems. Can
Althea conquer her inner demons, also known as her mental
health diagnosis, and be part of her family?
Althea’s
characterization shows one person’s way of dealing with
the symptoms of bipolar. There are several different forms
of it. Even though there was not a lot of emphasis on any
one part of Althea’s disease, each part of the illness
was clearly demonstrated. Althea’s anxiety is clearly
stated throughout her thoughts all through the book. The story
takes place in New York City and Easthampton, but it could
take place everywhere.
What
I enjoyed about If You Left is how bipolar was displayed
in Althea’s character. The ending left me hanging, but
it makes sense given Althea’s character. The title is
fitting once the story is read. Overall, this is an enjoyable
and quick read, but not for readers who do not like a lot
of sexual content.
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