The Flock : The Autobiography of a Multiple Personality

The dramatic memoirs of a young woman who triumphed over Multiple Personality Disorder, complemented by the case notes of her therapist, follows her unorthodox therapy, providing an illuminating view of this affliction

In this extraordinary, convincing account of her psychological fragmentation and arduous journey toward wholeness, the pseudonymous Casey displays the impulse toward health that seems a driving force of nature. She begins her story, with all names and locations changed, at the University of Chicago, where, as a graduate student, she sought counseling in 1981. Unlike Casey's previous experiences of quick-fix therapy, this time the psychotherapist, Wilson, proved a sensitive listener. Casey soon revealed her secret names, marking different selves with distinct memories and, as observed by Wilson, distinct voices, postures and expressions. Originally opposed to Wilson's diagnosis of Multiple Personality Disorder, Casey embraced it during her struggles over the four-year course of intensive therapy, through stages of cooperation, opposition and even sabotage among selves that included the competent Renee, scholar Joan, self-destructive Josie, self-possessed Kendra and Rusty, a boy. Wilson's interspersed notes, covering her concerns as she extended therapy beyond the office and included her husband, a high school teacher, in the "reparenting" of each of Casey's personalities, offer a balancing perspective. Deftly told and studded with striking images, Casey's story--distinguished by her intelligence and courage and by Wilson's unremitting patience and compassion--witnesses equally the power of cruelty and indifference to damage children profoundly, and the capacity of love and hard work to heal. Casey is now a university professor. Literary Guild alternate.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Casey's thoughtful account of the formation and integration of her 24 separate personalities. Diagnosed in 1981 as a multiple personality by therapist Wilson--whose case notes intersperse Casey's narrative--Casey initially resisted that finding, but slowly acknowledged her many selves. Among them were brilliant scholar Jo, worldly art lover Isis, and people-pleasing party girl Renee, with these relatively enviable personalities coexisting next to others who were childish, frightened, and suicidal--created, as multiples always are, to deal with abuse: in this case, from a raping father and a cold, demanding mother. Reconstructing the origins of the personalities forms the heart of Casey's touching story. As depicted here, the characteristics and motivations of all the personalities are straightforward and affecting, although Casey does not succeed in giving each an individual or even realistic voice. Rusty, a boy personality charged with placating Casey's father, talks like someone cut from an Andy Hardy film, while Renee seems decidedly down-to-earth for a self-described flirt. Of high interest also are Wilson's notes, which will probably appall orthodox psychiatrists as they detail how she broke every treatment rule in the book to heal Casey. Wilson and her husband, for example, always commingle their lives with that of a patient, and became in Casey's instance surrogate parents to all the personalities. The trio's first session together typifies the intimate therapy style: Wilson's husband ambled into the office, shucked off his jacket, and sat on the floor. A compelling psychological odyssey offering unique insights into a nightmare world. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

"Oh, Renee, you know that I think integration is secondary to having all the personalities inside feel better about themselves," said therapist Wilson. One of numerous unique personalities, female and male, embodied in a single, 26-year-old woman, "Renee" once again felt reassured by her therapist's words. Roughly a year and a half had passed since the troubled Casey first telephoned Wilson. A social worker with 20 years' experience, Wilson had never treated a case of multiple personality disorder (MPD). Casey had seen other therapists, but with little result. Wilson read the theoretical literature on MPD; she reread Corbett H. Thigpen and Hervey M. Cleckley's The Three Faces of Eve ( LJ 2/15/57) and Flora Rheta Schreiber's Sybil ( LJ 7/73). She consulted Cornelia Wilbur, the doctor who had treated Sybil. But ultimately Wilson depended on her own clinical and parenting instincts. Unorthodox and unconventional, her treatment brought to light a history of emotional and sexual abuse, a hallmark of MPD. The autobiography is interspersed with Wilson's case notes and diary entries. By turns thrilling, tedious, saddening, and inspiring, the book will engage almost anyone who enjoys a good love story. Literary Guild alternate.
-Marlene Charnizon, New York
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.