Of Spirits and Madness: An American Psychiatrist in Africa - Softcover

Linde, Paul

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0071407995 ISBN 13: 9780071407991

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education, 2002

Synopsis

As two cultures meet, one doctor finds new insight into the human mind. Dr. Paul Linde came to Zimbabwe to take the helm at the Harare Central Hospital, where dozens of patients present new challenges every day. From a case of factitious disorder-in which a young man treats his own leg like a pin-cushion-to a woman suffering from kufungisisa, the strange ailment of "thinking too much," Linde tells of his patients' demons and their difficulties in a vivid portrait of a world where witchcraft still reigns and psychosis is stigmatized as a contagious illness. Linde presents a wry and inspiring tale of medicine at the crossroads of two cultures. "This fascinating and entertaining book should be required reading for anyone (especially in the medical profession) interested in the politics and personal stories of the cultural divide."- "Publishers Weekly". "This is a compelling story and Linde is an excellent guide into a world that seems at first unbelievable but eventually becomes strangely recognizable in its human suffering." - "San Jose Mercury News".

About this title

Review:

"Linde's descriptions, far from clinical, are full of delightful observations, pointed political reflections, sensitivity to his hospital colleagues, and the diverse cultural needs of his patients. This fascinating and entertaining book should be required reading for anyone (especially in the medical profession) interested in the politics and personal stories of the cultural divide." - Publishers Weekly

From the Back Cover:

As Two Cultures Meet, One Doctor Finds New Insight Into the Human Mind

Emergency-room psychiatrist Dr. Paul Linde came to Zimbabwe to take the helm at the Harare Central Hospital, where dozens of patients present new challenges every day. From a case of factitious disorder--in which a young man treats his own leg like a pin-cushion--to a woman suffering from kufungisisa, the strange ailment of "thinking too much," Linde tells of his patients' demons and their difficulties in a vivid portrait of a world where witchcraft still reigns and psychosis is stigmatized as a contagious illness. Linde presents a wry and inspiring tale of medicine at the crossroads of two cultures.

"This fascinating and entertaining book should be required reading for anyone (especially in the medical profession) interested in the politics and personal stories of the cultural divide."--Publishers Weekly

"This is a compelling story and Linde is an excellent guide into a world that seems at first unbelievable but eventually becomes strangely recognizable in its human suffering." --San Jose Mercury News

About this edition

• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0071407995
• ISBN 13: 9780071407991
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240