Voice & Tone

The narrative composition of Bitter Medicine is unique compared to other memoirs of its genre. Clem Martini helms the narration, with his brother Olivier Martini providing illustrations that tie in with key narrative moments. Clem Martini’s style of voice consistently conveys a tone of persistence in the face of irreparable loss, while deftly communicating the frustration and isolation that comes from having family members that suffer from mental illness.

Clem Martini details these particular moments a few times in the memoir, one in particular about their community’s reactions surrounding Ben’s suicide, “One lady took the time to craft and send a painstakingly detailed letter, warning us that Ben roasted in Hell as a result of his mortal sin” (Bitter Medicine, pg. 55). These moments evoke the same emotions of anger and discomfort that Clem and his family likely felt at the time, further showing Martini’s command of tone and emotion.

Conversely, the minimalism and straightforwardness of Olivier’s illustrations plays in contrast to the narrative detail of Clem, creating this dichotomy that mirrors the effects of schizophrenia as described by Clem, “It seizes people, it confiscates relationships, it snatches peace of mind and slips it away in some deep, secret, interior pocket” (Bitter Medicine, pg. 247). Clem’s narrative style and tone opens the eyes of the reader to the harsh reality of mental illness and vividly conveys his feelings of sorrow and frustration for his family.

- Mark Phillips