by Kate Wilhelm
First published 1978
Margaret lives with a terrifying reality. Her subconscious mind has separated from her and become its own distinct personality. This other self watches her constantly, commenting on her choices and predicting her next moves. The voice shows casual indifference to Margaret's suffering, noting how it can push her toward hysteria whenever it chooses. Margaret fears this presence deeply, while it regards her terror as merely bothersome. The entity particularly worries when Margaret might turn to drugs, knowing they could strengthen its ability to torment her. What began as an internal psychological split has evolved into something far more dangerous. Two minds now occupy the same space, each with separate wills and desires. Margaret must find a way to reclaim control of her own consciousness before this battle destroys her completely. Wilhelm explores the fragile boundary between self and other, showing how the mind can become its own worst enemy.
Genres: literary-fiction, suspense, horror, psychological-thriller
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: psychological-horror, unreliable-narrator
214 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Pocket
Content warnings: mental-illness