The Themes Of Depression In Adam Haslett's Imagine Me Gone

American author Adam Haslett’s novel Imagine Me Gone (2016) revolves around Margaret and John, a married couple. John suffers from depression, a condition one of his children shares. The story is narrated by the couple and their three children, each providing the point of view for different chapters. The novel was named to the shortlists for the National Book Award and the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Publishers Weekly said of Haslett’s book, “This is a book that tenderly and luminously deals with mental illness and with the life of the mind. Occasionally, the narrative style (it switches among monologues, letters, and messages from the doctor’s office) feels stiff. But in Michael, Haslett has created a most memorable character. This is

They offer him support as he continues to pursue women who do not show up for dates with him. These times leave him feeling that he is unable to breathe. The family’s support for Michael frequently leads them to neglect the needs of others and suffer financial setbacks. Meanwhile, they have things in their own lives to tend to. Celia is unhappy in her work and is not able to make a commitment to the boyfriend with whom she lives. Alec, who is gay, has the same issues with commitment as his sister. Margaret is struggling due to Michael’s inability to repay all of the loans he has

Celia, not optimistic about the success of this, agrees to help and hopes for the best. She, along with Margaret, is at the point of breaking under the strain of trying to support Michael. Michael agrees to work at helping himself as he wants to move forward just as the family does. Unfortunately, Michael cannot live without his medication and he dies. A message he leaves for his family helps them cope with their own issues. They finally are able to understand Michael. Celia marries and Alec is able to commit to someone. Margaret moves to a new home and is able to recall her life with John without being overcome with sadness.

National Public Radio praised Haslett’s novel saying, “Haslett's signature achievement in Imagine Me Gone is to temper the harrowing with the humorous while keeping a steady bead on the pathos. You want sympathetic characters? You want a narrative that showcases love as a many-splendored thing capacious enough to encompass stalwart, long-suffering spouses, loyal siblings, suffocatingly obsessive crushes, and casual, noncommittal relationships (both gay and straight) that morph as if by magic into soul-sustenance? You want writing that thrums with anguish and compassion? It's all