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The Unfortunate Lunatic

A story of madness, make-believe and reinvention
By Tess Redgrave
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Brief Description
Throughout her childhood, Tess Redgrave knew she had a 'mad' grandmother who made repeated visits to a mental asylum. But it wasn't until her thirties, years after her Nanie had died and in the depths of her own crippling depression, that Tess was prompted to find... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3800
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A compulsive read about family and mental illness.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Throughout her childhood, Tess Redgrave knew she had a 'mad' grandmother who made repeated visits to a mental asylum. But it wasn't until her thirties, years after her Nanie had died and in the depths of her own crippling depression, that Tess was prompted to find out more. What she unearthed was an explosive family story of madness and secrecy that stretched back to nineteenth-century New Zealand and to a man referred to by the courts as 'an unfortunate lunatic'. While the discovery shocked Tess, it also helped her face the truth not only about her grandmother but about herself. The Unfortunate Lunatic is a compulsive read that says as much about the history of mental health care in this country as it does about one family and what they have suffered. It also talks to the power of stories to uncover the truth and to heal.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781067096656

Publisher: The Cuba Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 October 2026

Country: New Zealand

Imprint: The Cuba Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 219.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 230

Collections

Best Sellers at Book Hero Biography & Memoir Education & Reference Happiness & Mental Health History & Military In Stock Books New Release Books New Release Non-Fiction New to Book Hero New Zealand and Australia Published New Zealand Biographies New Zealand Non-Fiction New Zealand Published Non-Fiction Tess Redgrave

About the Author

Tess Redgrave is a journalist and the author of two books, including her novel Gone to Pegasus. She has worked as an editor, writer and media adviser. She lives in Hawke's Bay, contributing to BayBuzz magazine and teaching writing at the Heretaunga Women's Centre. Tess is an active member of Forest & Bird and walks up Te Mata Peak most days.

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