Of Spirits And Madness: An American Psychiatrist In Africa

Emergency-room psychiatrist Dr. Paul Linde came to Zimbabwe to take the helm at the Harare Central Hospital, where dozens of patients present new challenges every day. From a case of factitious disorder--in which a young man treats his own leg like a pin-cushion--to a woman suffering from "kufungisisa," the strange ailment of "thinking too much," Linde tells of his patients' demons and their difficulties in a vivid portrait of a world where witchcraft still reigns and psychosis is stigmatized as a contagious illness. Linde presents a wry and inspiring tale of medicine at the crossroads of two cultures.. .

"This fascinating and entertaining book should be required reading for anyone (especially in the medical profession) interested in the politics and personal stories of the cultural divide."--"Publishers Weekly," .

"This is a compelling story and Linde is an excellent guide into a world that seems at first unbelievable but eventually becomes strangely recognizable in its human suffering." --"San Jose Mercury News,"