- Hardcover: 256 pages
- Publisher: Allison & Busby (29 Mar 2005)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0749083727
- ISBN-13: 978-0749083724
- Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 14.2 x 3.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 444,283 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
"'Bloodletting is a frank, eloquent memoir about one of society's last taboos. Leatham recounts her tale with a dark humour that makes you will her to overcome her demons. Truly compelling.' Sunday Telegraph Magazine"
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
Bloodletting/ -, letting /n. 1.Phlebotomy, the act or process of letting blood or bleeding, as by opening a vein or artery 2.Outmoded medical practise used as a cure for illnesses ranging from fevers to hysteria Bloodletting is a close relative of bulimia and anorexia; it is estimated that up to 1 per cent of the population has intentionally harmed itself - yet for the most part it is a behaviour that goes unspoken, dismissed as the attention-seeking actions of prison inmates or delinquent teenagers. If you ran into Victoria on the street during her darkest days you would never have known the torment she endured. Confident, polite and articulate, she could have been your sister, your friend or your lover. Yet from her late teens and throughout her twenties Victoria Leatham struggled with the overwhelming desire to hurt herself, a desire that was all consuming and shaped every aspect of her life. And while not everyone who feels stressed, insecure or depressed will physically turn upon themselves, anyone who has ever felt out of control will recognise the logic that drove her. Today Victoria is a happy, successful 30-something professional who only occasionally glances sideways at the bathroom cabinet.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Very little has been written about the self harm and in her personal account "Bloodletting" Victoria Leatham tackles this subject. She writes openly and honestly about her gradual descent into mental illness and about her many hospitalisations without apology. Her honesty and frankness is astounding.
The author does not purport to be speaking for all who choose to cut themselves, she simply presents her story. She tells us what she did, why she did it and how this made her feel.
I was overcome with admiration for the bravery of this woman and I can only marvel at the strength of character it must have taken to keep picking herself up time and time again. She makes frank admissions regarding her alcohol and drug abuse and her promiscuity and throughout it all there is no finger pointing or blame laying.
I can't imagine how hard it must have been for the loyal people who loved her to keep supporting her when they could see that she was approaching self-destruct yet again.
The experiences Ms Leatham had whilst trying to find the help she knew she needed serve to highlight how little is really known about this particular facet of mental illness. This lack was evident even amongst health professionals including mental health practitioners. This lack of knowledge is really quite alarming.
This was a thoroughly compelling read. Easy to follow, funny and honest I couldn't put this book down. Throughout the entire story the courage of Victoria Leatham is breathtaking.
If this book raises awareness of some of the issues surrounding this illness, then it will be the most worthwhile book I have read so far this year.
I can't understand why people think that her book is lacking. Like she says this is her account as she remembers it. She's written about herself, and she makes sure that it is known that isn't speaking on behalf of anyone else.
Some people (not on this site)have given really really slating reviews, but they ought have respect for someone who has the courage and talent to come out the other side of self harm, and speak out to help others out of the mess she got into.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I very much enjoyed this book. For years I have been a cutter, and I thourght perhaps if I read this I might understand why. As alot of other books go into to much detail that I cant understand, and are not written by people who have self harmed before.
Well I read this book within two days. Its was the best book I HAVE EVER READ, ITS FILLED WITH humour in parts, even though the subject is Taboo with people. She makes no great shakes in beating around the bush. She tells it how it is. This is what people need to understand.
For reasons I cant explain this book has helped me a great deal, and I feel that I am not alone in my self harming.
Read it, its a must!
Well I read this book within two days. Its was the best book I HAVE EVER READ, ITS FILLED WITH humour in parts, even though the subject is Taboo with people. She makes no great shakes in beating around the bush. She tells it how it is. This is what people need to understand.
For reasons I cant explain this book has helped me a great deal, and I feel that I am not alone in my self harming.
Read it, its a must!
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I read this book and I really have to say: great! The style of writing is good. Nice to read. This is also the first book about self harm, that I would call realistic (I mean, yeah, of course it is, its wirtten by someone who experienced it...) but as well as that, she manages to make the reader feel with her and understand her feelings.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Must for Understanding SH!!
I have owned this book for a good few years and I have re-read it at least 4 times! As a recovering self-harmer and sufferer of mental illness, I found this book interesting and... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Becky Borderline
Bloodletting
This book has been compared to Elizabeth Wurtzel's Prozac Nation in terms of breaking the silence on a social stigma - this time self harm. Read more
Published on 24 Jun 2009 by Holly Ford
Boring!
I found this book rather boring. Although it does capture well some of the emotions behind self harm, it is very repetitive. Read more
Published on 3 Sep 2008 by H. ALAZHAR
Very Good
I really liked this book, as a self harmer i could relate to the story
The only thing i found a little odd is that after almost every cut she went to have it stitched or so... Read more
The only thing i found a little odd is that after almost every cut she went to have it stitched or so... Read more
Published on 12 Feb 2008 by Ms. S. Goodbody
among the best mental health memoirs
I really enjoy reading mental health related memoirs, and this one certainly does not disappoint. Ms. Read more
Published on 2 Dec 2007 by Paul J. Fitzgerald
Enlightening for Everyone
This sensitively-written book looks at the adult life of a woman who self-harms, and attempts to shed some light on what is one of the few remaining taboos within society. Read more
Published on 8 Nov 2007 by J. Roberts
absolutely superb
this book was like reading my diary. i have never found anyone's suffering so similar to mine before. Read more
Published on 10 July 2007 by Bet Pod
She speaks my mind
Reading this book felt like reading my own diary. What was most useful was giving the book to my family to read. Read more
Published on 22 Feb 2007 by Fallen
bloodletting an amazing account of self herm
A very good book probably the best self harm book i have read. Very emoitional and very much like my life. A good book to read if you self harm or know somebody who does. Read more
Published on 3 Jan 2007 by Lucy Mccall
Beautiful
Very, very good. So much of what she said resonated with my own thoughts and ideas. I think this is a good read for harmers and non-harmers alike. Read more
Published on 17 Oct 2006 by A. Peters
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