Marieke Bigg Libri

The past, present and future of the sexism inherent in medicine and medical research - and how to change it

“After all these years, I was surprised to find that we were still in the process of trying to assemble two fully self-sustaining parts into one.”Waiting for Ted charts the destruction of Rosalind and Ted’s relationship at the hands of an expensive chaise longue. Rosie comes from a wealthy, upperclass background. She dreams of being a traditional housewife to her big strong working man, cooking, tending the house and instagramming her perfect life. But she also needs to fill her house with things that she can Instagram, so when Ted bans her from spending any more of her father’s money on her ‘work’ as an interior design influencer until she’s actually earning, she begins to scheme – only to watch her schemes unravel, and the rest of her life with them.Told in a series of reflections over the course of an evening spent waiting for Ted, Rosie charts her relationship’s downfall, how she drifted from her only friend (who she never really liked anyway), how she contributed to the breakdown in her parents’ marriage, how she never really let Ted into her perfect world, how she drove them to their spectacular breakdown, and as she does it becomes increasingly clear to the reader that Ted may not be coming home at all.

Exploring the mind of Jacky 'The Beetle' McKenzie reveals a complex character who sees herself as sensible, while others perceive her as belligerent and volatile. As a unique individual, she embodies a blend of visionary creativity and chaotic artistry, navigating her world with intense passion and obsession. This narrative delves into her artistic journey, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of a true original in a society that often misunderstands her.

The book critically examines the psychiatric field, highlighting its reliance on unsupported assumptions and the disproportionate focus on medication over environmental factors affecting mental health. It explores the origins of the psychiatric industry and its collaboration with profit-driven pharmaceutical companies, often at the expense of effective treatment. By emphasizing the individuals overlooked by this system, it advocates for a transformative approach to mental health care that prioritizes genuine support and reform.