August 2011

E-bookmuncher’s e-book of the month for August 2011 is ‘From the Corners of  a Wounded Mind’ by Theo Knell, published by Night Publishing.

From the Corners of a Wounded Mind - Theodore Knell

About the Author

Theo Knell

Theodore Knell was born in the East End of London into poverty and a broken home. At the age of six he was taken into care by the Social Services and consigned to the Maudsley Hospital, a mental institution. At ten he was transferred to a state run boarding school for maladjusted children. On leaving school, and in search of somewhere to belong, he joined the British Army. ‘From the corners of a wounded mind’ are Theodore’s reflections on his upbringing and his life as a career soldier. (description taken from www.amazon.com)

E-bookmuncher’s views on ‘From the Corners of a Wounded Mind’

E-bookmuncher rates this book *****

Every now and then I come across a book that stands a chance of making a real difference to other people’s lives. This is one such book. The usual fare served up by ex-Special Forces soldiers, entertaining as they may be, tend to glorify or sensationalise their unique craft. This is different. Through a sensitive blend of prose and poetry Theo exposes the other, brutal side to the military, the bit so often hidden from view; the broken minds and the devastating long-term effects of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

As nations we ask our military to routinely do things that only the bravest few of us would dare to do, to see things that no-one should have to see, and to watch their friends, colleagues and innocent men, women and children die in horrific circumstances. Then, when the political aims have been fulfilled, we ask our soldiers to live with the consequences of those actions and their memories of them for the rest of their lives. The majority cope, but many don’t.

These people deserve our wholehearted life-long support. It takes a brave man to acknowledge his human frailty when most would see him as teflon-coated, and to bear his soul in the interests of his struggling ex-comrades. I salute Theo for his way of keeping these issues in the public consciousness and trying to help his former colleagues and their families to deal with the devastating and sometimes suicidal consequences of PTSD.

E-bookmuncher recommends that everyone reads this book – it’s the very least we can do.