Girl, Interrupted Summary

In April 1967, an eighteen-year-old girl voluntarily checks herself into McLean Hospital, a residential psychiatric facility in Massachusetts, intending to remain for only a few weeks. However, her stay extends to nearly two years after a doctor forcefully advocates for her commitment following a mere twenty-minute interview. The narrative unfolds through a series of non-linear vignettes, recounting experiences and interactions with fellow patients. She encounters a variety of unique individuals, ranging from Polly, who bears self-inflicted burns, to Lisa, known for her escape attempts and disdain for the hospital authorities. Georgina, her roommate, struggles with a troublesome relationship, while Daisy, known for her peculiar obsessions, ends up committing suicide after leaving the hospital.

The protagonist grapples with her mental health struggles amidst the strict rules and regulations of the hospital. Daily routines are strictly monitored, and possessions that could potentially harm are confiscated. Field trips outside the hospital are a rarity and require a tedious system of patient-to-nurse accompaniment. As the protagonist navigates her treatment journey, a fellow patient named Lisa Cody arrives, causing social upheaval within the hospital. This prompts the protagonist to question the validity of her twenty-minute consultation that resulted in her prolonged hospitalization. Discussions about the nature of mental illness and its categories ensue, questioning its slow 'viscous' and fast 'velocity' types.

As time goes on, the protagonist develops respect for some staff members like Valerie, the young head nurse with a no-nonsense approach. The year 1968 comes with its own turbulence, leading the girls to confront the reality of their sidelined existence. Amidst various events, such as Torrey's failed escape attempt and Alice's transfer to maximum security, the protagonist finally leaves McLean. She then faces widespread prejudice in society, especially when seeking employment. Eventually, she resumes a relationship with a man from her past, impulsively accepting his marriage proposal. As she reflects on her diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, she raises concerns about potential sexism and psychiatric fads in diagnoses. After leaving McLean, she reconnects with some of her fellow patients and contemplates her life experiences.