I have just finished reading "The Girl in the Mirror" by Lumi Winterson and offer these reflections as a review to any prospective readers. I read the autobiography firstly as a fellow human with an enquiring mind about others experiences in life. I was not disappointed! Lumi has shared the story (so far anyway) of her life, her illness and of her ongoing journey to wellness. Lumi has granted her readers unprecedented access into her mind and as a result into the illness which has left its destructive footprints through her life. From idyllic life as a child to her teenage years which in hindsight showed some of the first signs of what lay in store for her. Right through to the depths of her illness and her long journey to where she is today. I feel so strongly of Lumi's wellness. For it would not be possible for her, given her mental health diagnosis, to provide such open access if she was not as well as what she must be.However I also read this text as a health professional. Sadly it confirmed what I have suspected for a very long time. The public health system is not concerned with making people well. It is only orientated and resourced to reduce public risk. Supporting people to become well is something entirely different. I am not surprised by any of her public health system experiences. I do feel the need to apologise that she ever had to go through it and I truly hope some good can come from Lumi sharing her story.While Lumi is not formally a write she has done a wonderful job at putting into words what for many is the unspeakable. I offer my congratulations to Lumi on a well written text as well as on all the work she has had to do in order to arrive at the place where she can share her success story with others.Lastly if you experience mental illness this book will give you hope, if you care for someone with mental illness this book will reconnect you with the the good in their heart despite the demons sometimes in their head, if your a health profession this book will remind you just how far we have to go as well as a gentle reminder about humanity. I highly recommend it and wish Lumi continued success on her path to good health and a full life.