Laetitia Booysen | Bright is the Black Night

Kim Hunter
Sep 3, 2017
2 min read

Approximate Reading Time: 3 minutes

Photographs from the event on Facebook

The complexity of bi-polar disorder was highlighted during this emotional book launch. Ms Booysen has written a fictional recounting of real-life events. During the launch she described how bulimia was her constant companion for years until its source was finally found to be rooted in bipolar disorder. The suffering of her family and friends has also been monumental but their pride in her achievements was evident at this event. The beautifully decorated venue belied the emotional and physical suffering this author has lived with. Her inability to find information on the pairing of bulimia and bipolar led to her writing this story. Her wish is that more people can learn about these conditions and find hope in her story for themselves.

Beneath Ilse-Kim’s perfect image lies a dark secret: a secret she shamefully struggles to keep under control as it slowly destroys her life. Two illnesses have sunk their teeth deep into her soul, slowly ripping her apart and obliterating all hope for a peaceful existence or a loving relationship with the man of her dreams. As she navigates her way through life and love, she risks her heart in the hope of finding true love. Her journey, supported by her loving family and treasured friends, exposes the razor’s edge of bipolar disorder and bulimia, and how these disorders annihilate healthy relationships. Yet, despite the wake of destruction and overwhelming challenges, unbreakable bonds are formed. Ilse-Kim Cullen unveils the hidden truth and stigmas behind both illnesses. She is the voice that we have all been waiting for – a voice for the broken victims who crave to be heard, and a voice for their loved ones who are often left confused in the mayhem and complexity of bipolar disorder and bulimia.

Watch the event: