The writer Susan Grundy discusses her memoir Mad Sisters (Ronsdale Press, 2024), with Joseph Planta.

Mad Sisters by Susan Grundy (Ronsdale Press, 2024). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Mad Sisters

Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

Mad Sisters is one of those books that will make you laugh, break your heart, as well as frustrate and fascinate, sometimes all at the same time. Its author Susan Grundy joins me now. She’s written a book that captures her journey as a sister and caregiver to a sibling who has mental illness. It’s honest, raw, as well as heart-wrenching in some parts. Susan’s sister Nancy is often funny, but her circumstances often make it challenging for those around her, like Susan who has had to bear the brunt of it since they were children. What’s frustrating in the book is where we see how difficult it might be for a family contending with mental illness. The Grundys are not without some privilege, which makes it all the more frustrating to think of other families who might be less fortunate, or when considering there are a lot people with mental health challenges who have no family, no advocates. Susan is a great storyteller and somebody who talks candidly about having to be there for her sister and her mother and father. She talks about the challenges of being one’s advocate, while at the same time, offers a lot of insight in how to make giving care a little easier. Susan Grundy veered from a 30-year career in marketing to write. Her short fiction has appeared in the Danforth Review and Montreal Writes. She has completed a second novel. Visit www.susanfgrundy.com for more. This new book is published by Ronsdale Press. We spoke earlier this week. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Susan Grundy; Ms. Grundy, good morning.

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