The Oasis, by Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion

Trainee psychiatrist Hannah Wright is working in the outpatient clinic of Menzies Hospital, in this sequel to The Glass House, with a whole load of new mental health challenges as well as continuing fallout from those in the previous book. It delves further into how Hannah’s childhood trauma both informs her medical practise and, at times, impedes it and her personal and professional relationships. Eating disorders, child abuse, schizophrenia, OCD, the story covers a wide range of heavy topics, but with a light and very human touch. Each chapter begins with an insight into the experience of a patient and then looks at their interaction with the health and justice systems. It then moves on to how Hannah and her colleagues try to find the best treatment options while dealing with their own concerns. As with the first novel, this is a warm, compassionate and honest look at the strengths and failings of the health system and, more particularly the treatment of patients with mental ill-health.