Billy, Come Home

I knew nothing about this book or the author when I picked it off the library shelf. I now will look for another by the same author because this book was outstanding. Full of little details about life in Ireland. Good commentary about the mental health system, which has similar shortcomings to the American one from what I've learned. Through in realistic family conflicts and a heroine worth rooting for, and it's just a great read. Highly recommended.

Mary Rose Callaghan has a gift for telling stories. For instance, I loved "Prodigal Daughter." Sent it to my cousin and he called me to say it was the funniest book he'd read in a long time...though I would have called that one (P.D), "Translating Dante in the Bathtub." This one, about the sister of a schizophrenic who is trying to get him the services he needs is realistic and moving. You have to be a fighter to get anywhere. I even like the villains -- e.g., the Momma of these adult children. Callaghan portrays central characters who are extremely good at keeping on keeping on. Maybe that's one of the attractions for me re her work: perseverance is not my strong suit. This story resonates with Anne Tyler themes: quirky people just trying to make their lives comfortable enough to live in. In this case, it's a thirty-something woman (I'm guessing) who has her hands full with working and trying to paint, and having the care of a schizophrenic brother who keeps getting booted out of his supervised residence. If you're not familiar with the trials of family life with someone troubled with the psychotic breaks that typify schizophrenia, this will educate you in the ways that families *have* to be aggressive in getting decent treatment for their mentally disordered members. The situation in Ireland (the setting of this story) doesn't seem too much different than that in the US, though I think we do have more services and more latitude in working the system. This story could use at least one sequel, as it ends redemptively for some, but not everyone. A sequel would allow the protagonist to come to terms with her very narcissistic momma -- a doctor who has retired and shoved off the care of Billy onto her daughter. I am going to recommend this to NAMI, which is the national group of advocates and their families or clients. I think many members would enjoy it.