Lindy anticipated fewer bedpans in psychiatric nursing but hadn't counted on the kind of trauma that would leave her mostly hammock bound through the antipodean summer of 1996/7.

Intrusive thoughts reveal a troubling adolescence, implying her nursing career didn't start the fire, but rather provided the spark. Trusting the mental health team to find the right chemicals to balance her mind becomes part of the problem rather than the solution, and Lindy, now horribly overweight and with a health team that appears to have given up, ceases to care. But then someone steps up.

Lindy begins the fight to restore her health and, ultimately, her voice.

'While reading Bleak Expectations I was frequently furious at Lindy's treatment by some health staff (I can't call them providers or supporters because they did neither) but these were counterbalanced by others who were amazing and became Lindy's heroes - and mine now too. Lindy is equally a hero of mine for her resilience, unshakeable optimism and astonishing work ethic. Spending time with her on her journey of discovery - a detective whodunnit of the mind, really - has been an eye-opener, and despite the traumas often very entertaining. My brain cells also got a good workout with the science stuff. This is an important book, as well as a great read.'

- Lesley Marshall - Member Storylines, NZSA, NZAMA, IPEd; Online tutor Applied Writing NorthTec; NZ coordinator International PEN