The Noonday Demon

by Andrew Solomon
The Noonday Demon cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Psychology and Human Behavior
Technical:
  • ID: 614
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9781451676884
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2011-11-16
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £18.99

The Noonday Demon is a transformative masterpiece that delves into the complexities of depression from personal, cultural, and scientific perspectives. Andrew Solomon draws on his own struggles with the illness and interviews with experts, sufferers, and policymakers to reveal the intricate nature of depression and the reasons for hope. The book examines the challenges of defining the illness, the range of available treatments, and the impact of depression on various demographic populations throughout history and around the world. With uncommon humanity and erudition, Solomon explores the ethical and moral questions posed by biological explanations for mental illness. His contribution to our understanding of mental illness and the human condition is both enlightening and deeply resonant, offering a comprehensive journey into one of the most pervasive family secrets.

Reviews
Brett Milam's Blog · Brett Milam · 2023-03-10
challenging 3.00

The book is found to be not very accessible, which the reviewer finds ironic given the subject matter. They admit it is still a valuable read despite its complexity.

Brett Milam finds the book challenging to access, which they consider ironic given that it discusses depression. They acknowledge that the book is not the most accessible but still see value in its content. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the author's personal experiences and the thorough exploration of depression, even if it requires more effort to understand.

Quick quotes

    The book didn't yet seem accessible as a result (is that ironic?), and admittedly, the book is still not the most accessible book I would recommend.

    The author's personal experiences are narrated with a depth that is both terrifying and brilliant.

    The Noonday Demon is a valuable read despite its complexity.

The New York Times · 2001-06-24
insightful 4.00

The book is noted for its blend of personal and analytical elements, making it a unique and engaging read. It is compared to other notable works for its depth and insight.

The reviewer appreciates the book's unique blend of personal narrative and analytical depth. They find it reminiscent of other significant works due to its ability to balance confessional and analytical elements effectively. The book is seen as a vital contribution to the understanding of depression, combining the author's personal struggles with a broader cultural and scientific context.

Quick quotes

    In its mixture of the personal and the impersonal, the confessional and the analytical, 'The Noonday Demon' will remind readers of Kay Redfield Jamison's work.

    The book offers a vital and poetic exploration of depression.

    Andrew Solomon's personal struggles are narrated with a witty and uplifting tone.

The Guardian · 2001-05-19
comprehensive 4.50

The book is praised for its thorough research and the author's ability to weave together various testimonies and quotations. It offers a comprehensive examination of depression from multiple perspectives.

The reviewer commends the book for its extensive research and the author's skill in integrating diverse testimonies and quotations. They highlight how the book delves into depression from personal, cultural, and scientific angles, providing a well-rounded understanding of the subject. The depth of the research is particularly noted, making it a valuable read for those interested in the complexities of depression.

Quick quotes

    The Noonday Demon is formidably well researched: Solomon has a particularly keen touch with quotations and the testimony of others, building up a compelling picture.

    The book offers a comprehensive examination of depression from multiple perspectives.

    It digs deep into personal history, narrating the author's own agonising experience of depression.

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