Which makes critics wonder if he genuinely cares about mental health, or whether he’s simply found a cash cow. His publication schedule seems relentless. This is true, but an ability to express complex thoughts so they resonate with others is valuable, regardless of qualifications. It’s said he has no qualifications in mental health. I am an occasional user of Twitter (, please come and say hello!) and his writing encounters some criticism there. Hopefully he offers a hand up, and out, to other men. We know from the suicide rates that men are suffering, and Haig talks eloquently and openly about his own experience of depression. He is a vocal, and outspoken advocate for men’s mental health, which is an area that still feels shrouded in shame.
In fact I have at least another two of his books upstairs in the towering pile I’m yet to read it.
He’s written a number of books on the theme of mental health, both fiction and non-fiction. Matt has been open about his struggles with depression – a depression so severe he’s previously contemplated suicide. The writing is accessible and requires little in terms of concentration. But the familiarity of the content is calming. If you have any interest in mental health then I doubt there’s anything new to you here. “Drawing on maxims, memoirs and the inspirational lives of others, these meditations celebrate the ever-changing wonder of living.” it boasts. The blurb within the front cover suggests life changing contents. It just begs to be wrapped in gold paper, topped with a silver bow and gifted to your nearest and dearest. I’ve considered it for a while now, and I’m fairly confident it’s an abstract image of the sun setting over the sea. The front cover is particularly pleasing. And I’m sure the publishers think so too. The book is ideal for the coffee table, the bedside table, or as a gift for friends. But just because it’s all so pleasant and reassuring, that there’s not a lot to say.
Not because it’s badly written, or dull or unoriginal. It’s not easy to write a review of Matt Haig’s The Comfort Book.
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