They usually aim to raise awareness. By portraying the experiences of those with depression or suicidal thoughts, books like 'Thirteen Reasons Why' make readers more aware of the signs and the impact of their actions on others. They also show how complex these issues can be.
The theme of stigma is also quite common. In books about depression and suicide fiction, characters may face judgment or misunderstanding from others. For instance, in some of these stories, when the main character tries to reach out for help, they are met with disbelief or dismissal. Another important theme is the internal battle. It's like there are two voices in the character's head - one that wants to fight and survive, and one that is overwhelmed by the depression and suicidal thoughts, as seen in many of these types of books.
Another great book is 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara. This novel tells the story of four friends in New York, with one of the main characters, Jude, who has a past filled with trauma, leading to his ongoing battle with depression and self - harm. It's a long and complex story that really explores the depths of human suffering and the impact of depression on a person's life and relationships. It shows how difficult it can be for someone to overcome their past and the pain that haunts them, and how it can sometimes lead to thoughts of suicide.
One such book is 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath. It offers a semi - autobiographical look at a young woman's struggle with depression and her thoughts of suicide. The protagonist's experiences are vividly portrayed, making it a very poignant read.
Another great option is 'It's Kind of a Funny Story' by Ned Vizzini. While it's not solely about loving someone with depression, it gives an in - depth look at the mind of a young person dealing with mental health issues, which can help in understanding how to love and support someone in that state. The story is told in a relatable and engaging way.
They tend to have a sense of melancholy. In 'A Little Life', the overall tone is quite sad as it portrays the character's continuous struggle with his past traumas and the resulting depression. The descriptions of his pain are very detailed and heart - wrenching.
One great book is 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck. It vividly portrays the struggles of a family during the Great Depression, showing their journey and the harsh realities they faced. Another is 'Of Mice and Men', also by Steinbeck, which delves into the dreams and hardships of migrant workers at that time.
Often, they have a very introspective narrator. For example, in 'The Bell Jar', Esther Greenwood is constantly reflecting on her own state of mind and her feelings of alienation, which is typical of depression - themed fiction. The mood is usually quite melancholic, like in 'A Little Life' where there's a sense of pervasive sadness throughout the story.
One of the best is 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath. It's a semi - autobiographical novel that vividly portrays the protagonist's struggle with depression. The main character, Esther, experiences a mental breakdown and her journey through the asylum is both harrowing and eye - opening.
Often, they are very intense. For example, in 'The Bell Jar', the main character's internal monologue is filled with self - loathing and a sense of hopelessness. The descriptions of her mental state are raw and unfiltered.