Archive · 1 Aug 2025
Review of Joan Didion's 'Notes to John'
A new book called 'Notes to John' by Joan Didion, who passed away, is now out.
It's based on her therapy sessions where she talked about her daughter's struggles with mental health and addiction.
The sessions were with a psychiatrist named Dr. MacKinnon, and the book is addressed to her late husband.
The reviewer wonders if the book's personal details should have been shared with the public.
The book offers insight into Didion's life and family dynamics, but it also raises questions about revealing such private information.
Joan Didion's posthumously published 'Notes to John' details her therapy sessions with Dr. Roger MacKinnon.
The book, addressed to her late husband, John Gregory Dunne, reveals Didion's struggles with her daughter Quintana's mental health.
Didion's sessions with MacKinnon were prompted by her daughter's therapist, who believed their relationship was co-dependent.
The book includes interactions between the two doctors, with MacKinnon often validating Didion's perspectives.
The review questions whether the intimate details of Didion's therapy should have been made public.
- Who
- Joan Didion and her psychiatrist, Dr. Roger MacKinnon.
- What
- A review of Joan Didion's posthumous book, 'Notes to John'.
- When
- The book was published posthumously; the sessions occurred prior.
- Where
- N/A
- Why
- The book details her therapy sessions regarding her daughter Quintana's mental health issues.
Arguments Against Publication
Arguments for Publication
Privacy vs. Context
Arguments Against Publication
Some may argue that publishing such personal and private therapy records is a breach of privacy and potentially exploitative of the deceased author and her family.
Arguments for Publication
Others may argue that the intimate details give context to the autobiographical work and bring the reader closer to the author.
- Book Title
- Notes to John
- Author
- Joan Didion
- Published by
- Fourth Estate
- Price
- Rs499
- Subject
- Didion's therapy sessions
- Therapist
- Dr. Roger MacKinnon