In 'The Trick is to Keep Breathing', Janice Galloway takes us into the mind of drama teacher Joy Stone, as she struggles with mental illness following the death of her lover, Michael.
Early in the novel Joy prepares for a visit from her health visitor. Joy does not want her there, but makes a special effort to make her believe she is coping.
There is an obvious sense of panic and Joy tries to get everything right for the visit, including her choice of biscuits.
She is disappointed and dissatisfied with the shallow, ineffectual conversation:
