This could be the story of any man, his life driven and guided for half a century by his overwhelming desire for alcohol. This book relates a candid and informative account of an alcoholic's life and where it leads. It also offers suggestions of reasons for alcoholism, the effects that alcohol has upon the brain, an examination of the law relating to mental capacity and an ultimately heartfelt plea to anyone instrumental in changing the lives for such unfortunate individuals, to examine more closely the research available. Research from 1881 seems to have been overlooked; yet it is as relevant today as it was then. The reader is invited to question their own position in relation to their views of those who are battling this debilitating addiction. The contents seek to provide a thought-provoking and perspective shifting read.

本書は単なる依存症の告白録ではなく、半世紀にわたりアルコールに支配された一人の人間の魂の軌跡を、冷徹な法学的視点と深い慈愛で描き出した稀有な文学的記録です。著者のケイ・フランシスは、依存症が脳に与える影響や意思能力の定義を鋭く問い直し、読者を単なる同情を超えた深い思索の淵へと誘います。 特筆すべきは、1881年という過去の知見を現代に蘇らせ、我々の偏見を根底から揺さぶる点です。愛と渇望、そして法の境界線上で揺れ動く生の苦悩は、社会から見捨てられがちな人々の尊厳を鮮烈に浮き彫りにします。この一冊は、依存症に苦しむ者への視座を劇的に変える、魂を震わせる挑戦状と言えるでしょう。