There are pharmacological and psychiatric books galore on overdosing. They lack-one might suggest, necessarily-a certain human-ness. This book is very humane, putting the stories of the interviewees at the centre.Their reasons for overdosing are, as you would expect, varied. So is the sort of treatment they receive in hospital. As an ex-overdoser and ex-self harmer, I recognize both the concerned, compassionate and (understandably, in some cases) bewildered staff and the staff who stop just one inch short of sadism. I do hope the latter reaction has declined somewhat since the book was written. I also hope that the author's very sensible suggestions about more support for distressed people has been taken heed of by various bodies. Counselling has come to the fore since this book was written. And there are many more self-help groups. One thing the book could have which it lacks is an epilogue, bringing us up to date with these developments.

It's not an easy bedtime read, but it is interesting. Also, the author is to be praised for not falling into jargon or easy-fix solutions.