Defying The Odds…
In a sometimes dark account of his near-fatal illness, local author Pete Mackenzie Hodge’s new book Delirium Diaries is also a joyous tale of love and survival
Delirium Diaries is a gripping medical memoir from Lancashire author Pete Mackenzie Hodge, who chronicles his unlikely survival in the intensive care unit (ICU) during a near-fatal illness, followed by the drama and sometimes comic absurdity of deep psychosis.
This recently-released book is a deeply therapeutic account from Pete while suffering from psychosis during the pandemic and is enriched with insights from family, friends and health practitioners.
The memoir offers universal appeal and resonates with those who’ve faced similar traumas.
Published by the Book Guild, Delirium Diaries offer hope for a post-pandemic readership seeking connection and understanding and explores the contrast between the comfort of home and the sterile hospital environment, from an innocent swim to an induced coma. Pete shares a joyous tale of love and resilience, emphasising the power of sheer grit and determination in defying the odds.
In an era shaped by the aftermath of the pandemic this sometimes dark memoir provides insight into the human experience, bridging the gap between curiosity and understanding amidst the chaos of uncertainty and upheaval.
Twice a survivor – previous to his pandemic experience, Pete had a leg amputated due to bone cancer – he is now embracing life as a writer, recounting his harrowing ICU experience during the peak of the epidemic. Originally a children’s book creator, he draws inspiration from personal challenges. Infusing his writing with life’s lessons and joy, he crafts compelling narratives and cherishes moments with family, friends, music, nature and his beloved Blackburn Rovers.
Pete explains: “The incident that kickstarted the writing of this book came during a chance meeting with one of my heroes, Steve Coogan. I was lucky enough to have a long conversation with him covering all sorts of topics – music, lockdown and the Lake District. It wasn’t until we started talking about my recent illness that Coogan raised the idea of me writing about what I had recently gone through.”
Pete met Coogan by chance at a restaurant in the Lake District where he and his wife Nikki were dining out for their first meal since he fell ill.
He recalls: “We were in the Lakes eating our meal outside in our coats and hats – not allowed to be mixing indoors.”
Midway through the meal his wife noticed that Steve Coogan was also dining there. Dubious, he glanced over and sure enough there he was – one of his longtime heroes. Unbeknown to Pete his wife had spoken briefly to Coogan who came over to their table. In his book Pete recalls: “Mr Steve Coogan. A national treasure. ‘I believe you’ve not been very well, mate,’ utters Steve. ‘Alright, Steve!’ is all I could muster in that moment. Suddenly, we are engaged in conversation, covering everything from coma delirium to the recent tragic passing of Steve’s nephew, the pandemic, music and his current writing, which brings me onto why I am here, writing this and introducing my book. ‘You should write about your experience,’ encourages Steve. ‘Just sit down and type and see where it takes you.’
When Pete and Nikki were about to leave the restaurant later, Pete says: “The waiter approached our table saying, ‘I want to inform you that Mr Coogan has already settled your bill.’ Nik and I didn’t have any words left in us.”
He adds: “I couldn’t believe it. You could almost feel the magic. I will write about my experience. I will write to heal myself. I will write in the hope that others might relate to it.”
So, Pete did exactly that, initially writing the book as a therapeutic exercise. “Being in and coming out of a coma can be a very traumatic event. I found writing to be a helpful aid to my recovery as I attempted to re-piece the jigsaw pieces of my brain and mind, to heal myself and try to separate the reality and fiction of the world around me to the hallucinogenic, vivid dreams I experienced during my illness.
“Finally, part of the idea I had for writing about my illness was the hope that it would resonate with people who had similar experiences during the pandemic.”
Delirium Diaries – £8.99 can be purchased from: bookguild.co.uk
