I knew from page one I was going to fall in love with this book. 'Challenger Deep' is one of those rare masterpieces, a work of fiction that is heartbreakingly unique, emotionally nuanced and deeply authentic. It is flawlessly written, with prose that is devastatingly raw yet also beautifully poetic and deeply profound. The narrative is sad but also so full of hope, rich in stunning imagery and powerful symbolism that really captures the bewildering confusion, the terrifying loneliness and isolation as well as the debilitating weight so often experienced by those who live with mental illness. 
 It is honestly so rare to find a book that explores mental illness in such an unflinchingly truthful and realistic but also sensitive manner, that captures the emotional journey and pain without romanticising or sensationalising the disease. It is clear that the author has a deep understanding and respect for his subject matter, which makes sense given his family history and the fact that his son, who has schizophrenia, acted as a sensitivity reader for the novel. Highly recommend, not just for the amazing representation but for the powerful and imaginative narrative that truly captures what it feels like to live with mental illness.