The book describes in simple but powerful words the dull boredom and uneasy feelings Susanna had during her stay at Claymore – originally the McLean Hospital.

It's focusing on the endless days and describes how the inmates are trying to pass time.

The book didn't focus a linear storyline, the chapters are more short storys about events during Susanna's stay at Claymore. Some would have fit nicely into the movie - like Susanna and Georgina making caramels...

Additionally the book shows many copies of original doctor's reports and letters from Susanna's file.

the official screenplay*

The writing is brilliant. A story begins with boredom in the living-room, then Susanna begins a search for the bones in her hands - which ends up that she's picking herself with her teeth to see the bones. You read this, what you at first think is a harmless story - and right in the middle you see what she is up to and you think: what the hell is she doing???

Susanna isn't making any judgements - she leaves spaces, so that you have to think...and eventually came up with your own judgements.

As mentioned the book is more non-linear than the movie. I think the screenwriters have done a great job to adapt it into a linear screenplay. Okay they've changed the story a bit - but for me the book and the movie are just two different views on Susanna's stay at Claymore...

If you like the movie get the book - it's worth it.

* I assume that someone has simply written down the whole text from the video...

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