Fathom

Fathom, an experimental memoir, explores the hinterland of the narrator's mind. The narrative of Fathom focuses on a tantalising fragment from the past. `I think I saw a lot of blood' and other odd surfacings from memory are explored through the work of psychoanalysis. Much like a kind of detective work to begin with, the narrative unravels the depths that appear in psychotic breakdown. Identity is evoked through three personas of the self: the puppet, the puppet-master and She-who-knows. Poetic in style, though something of a detective story, the first-person narrative is richly layered - Plath, Shakespeare, Sophocles and pop songs all have their place. Highly concentrated, structured in three parts, non-linear in chronology and highly metaphoric, Fathom appeals to those with a deep interest in mental health and all types of therapy.

"A highly original, experimental memoir playing with time, memory and style. It's a story of an emotional breakdown, hidden trauma and undiscovered memories being brought to the surface through psychoanalysis. It's about a client's relationship with her therapist. It's about the tricks of time and how outstanding memories can often be clues for something buried much deeper. Fathom is a fascinating book that I read in one sitting; the childhood memories are unveiled gradually and sometimes subtly, others in an 'in your face' moment of discovery, and the conclusion is heart-wrenching."

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