Those of us with bipolar disorder understand firsthand the upheavals this mental illness can exert on a life. Before diagnosis, moodiness can lead to a lack of linearity in life. Diagnosis typically only comes after a crisis. Self-awareness can grow after diagnosis, but medications and therapy cannot fully “cure” this disease. Many stories in this genre focus on hardships and a general lack of life control – not exactly fodder for inspiration. Into this millieu, Lukas Klessig offers his father’s posthumous memoir along with some commentary. Despite lifelong struggle, his father became an award-winning environmentalist and professor. This book presents his story and, along the way, offers healing to his son.
Father Lowell Klessig journeys from being raised on a farm to college at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. In graduate school, Lowell’s career transitioned from biochemistry into the environmental sciences for moral reasons. He also lived in the South for a time and engaged in anti-Vietnam War protests along with the Civil Rights movement. Lowell’s personal account does mention bipolar disorder, but does not dwell on it in depth.
In contrast, son Lukas’ account explores how this disease influenced every step of Lowell’s journey. The contrast in focus is stark. Lowell seemed to manage this disease well, once he had become aware of it and thanks to Lithium treatment and therapy. In editing this memoir, Lukas is clearly coming to terms with his now-deceased father’s life. Bipolar disorder had an impact on Lowell’s entire family, sons included, and Lukas appreciates his father’s struggle with respect.
As a shortcoming, this biography/memoir seems to try to do too much and does not focus on one topic at length. As common with the nature of bipolar disorder, this work touches on so many highlights but doesn’t delve into detail with any one. Although the father is the dominant author, its main theme seems to be a son coming to terms with his father’s life. I respect that aim, but it could have been pulled off with more subtle artistry and storytelling finesse.
Those struggling with mental illness, either personally or with loved ones, can appreciate a positive story about dealing with these diseases. The struggle is inescapable, but Lowell’s story illustrates that a good life can also be had. Also, those coming to terms with father-son relationships can benefit from this healthy example. Mental health and mental illness are popular topics today, but few conversations say something factual. In its own way, the Klessigs’ bio/memoir turns over an interesting leaf and leaves us with something to ponder.
Words with My Father: A Bipolar Journey Through Turbulent Times
By Lowell Klessig & Lukas Klessig
Copyright (c) 2023
Medley Park Press
ISBN13 9780960118915
Page Count: 264
Genre: Memoir, Biography
Sponsored link to www.amazon.com