Structure

Bitter Medicine has two narrators which gives it a unique structure for a memoir, since multiperspectivity often conflicts with the self-reflective goal of a memoir. The memoir is written by Clem Martini through his point of view. Clem’s words are accompanied by drawings and narration by Liv Martini. There are several ways in which the voices of Clem and Liv interact with each other.

Often Liv’s drawings will reinforce what Clem is saying. While Clem is talking about how Liv had to take a job as a night-guard he describes a scene where Liv is expected to guard a hole in a wall from jewel thieves. Liv’s drawing depict the scenario exactly as Clem described it (p. 108)

Sometimes Liv’s drawing will not match Clem’s narration and instead provide additional context by depicting scenes that aren’t described by Clem. In part 5, after Liv has to quit his job as a night guard, Clem describes how he spent a lot of time with dad during this period but doesn’t go into detail. However, Liv’s drawings go into specific events, including a trip to the zoo, getting hotdogs and coffee, and an incident where his dad passed out returning to his apartment (p. 127)

Often Clem’s words will be followed by Livls drawings, but this is reversed at some key moments. During Liv’s trip to emergency care, Liv’s drawing depict how he never actually got care and was just shuffled around for the first two nights before Clem finds out and his narration mentions it. (p. 210 - 217)

Along with the use of multiple narrators, the structure of the memoir also consists of individual “parts” numbered one to eight. Each part contains a different episode/hospital visit that affect Ben or Liv. Between parts five and six there is an interlude, during this interlude Clem and Liv take a step back from summarizing the events of their life.

The interlude has Clem and Liv inform the reader on specific systematic failings that are hurting people with mental illness, keeping them in poverty and turning them into inmates (p.145). This interlude is important to the memoir as it establishes what Liv is about to go through, and explains why he is having so much trouble to the readers who think that not being able to find work is somehow a personal failing.

- Zach