The Ha-Ha (Faber Editions)

Set against the backdrop of an Oxford college and a mental institution, The Ha-Ha delves into the fragile mind of Josephine, a young woman grappling with the loss of her mother and the bewildering rules of social existence. Her perception of the world is distorted, filled with surreal visions of animals and grotesque transformations, culminating in a breakdown that leads to her institutionalization. The novel captures the subtle nuances of her psychological state and her tentative steps toward recovery. Within the psychiatric hospital, Josephine finds a strange relief and connection, especially through her friendship with a fellow patient, Alasdair. Their interactions and her gradual preparation for reentry into the outside world highlight the challenges of mental health and societal acceptance. Winner of the 1961 James Tait Black Prize, the book offers a compassionate and insightful portrayal of mental illness and the quest for belonging.