Arabic version: دويران ني غريوفا تستكشف الصحة النفسية في كتابها الجديد

Doireann Ní Ghríofa, the acclaimed author of “A Ghost in the Throat,” discusses her latest work, “Said the Dead,” which delves into the histories of patients at a former psychiatric hospital in Cork, Ireland. According to The Guardian, Ní Ghríofa’s new book follows her deep emotional connection to the women whose stories she uncovered in archival records.

The hospital, originally referred to as the Eglinton Lunatic Asylum in the 1840s, has a complex history intertwined with Ireland’s past, including colonial rule and societal challenges. Ní Ghríofa’s research took her inside the derelict building, where she felt a profound sense of urgency to tell the stories of the women who had once lived there. Her exploration included sneaking into the site during renovations and connecting the historical narratives to her own experiences with mental health.

Reflecting on her past struggles with depression, Ní Ghríofa shared that her own life experiences resonate with those of the women she studied. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in her writing, noting that many of the women she encountered in the archives faced severe distress and sought help from the very institution that often failed them.

In her book, Ní Ghríofa challenges preconceived notions about mental health institutions, revealing the complexities of the patients’ lives. She highlights stories of resilience and recovery, countering the narrative that many patients were simply abandoned. Through her poignant storytelling, Ní Ghríofa aims to honor the memories of these women and shed light on the often-overlooked histories of mental health care in Ireland.