The Parakeet

Bastien is eight years old, and his mother is ill. She often has what his father and grandparents call "episodes." According to the doctors, she suffers from "bipolar disorder with schizophrenic tendencies." Thats why she has to go to the hospital or to specialized clinics for frequent treatments. Bastien doesnt like her to go, because when she returns home, she is not very responsive. She has no feelings, no desires, and not much interest in him.



Based on the authors own experiences, The Parakeet is the story of a boy whose only refuge from lifes harsh realities lies in his imagination. In his eyes, we can see the confusion and heartache Bastian feels as he watches his mothers illness progress. Through his eyes, we see how mental illness can both tear families apart and reaffirm the bonds of love. First published in French, Le Perroquet won the 2017 Paroles de patients award for an outstanding French literary work that transforms an account of personal illness or struggle into a deeply moving story with a powerful universal message.