Everything Calls for Salvation

This poignant novel explores mental illness through Daniele’s journey in a psychiatric ward, emphasizing empathy and the strength found in shared vulnerability. Everything Calls for Salvation is deeply moving.

In Everything Calls for Salvation, the narrative unfolds in June 1994, where twenty-year-old Daniele awakens in a hospital room, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. As memories of the previous night gradually resurface, he recalls a tumultuous spiral of anxiety and anger that culminated in an explosion of violence. To his dismay, he discovers that he has been sentenced to a week of mandatory treatment in a psychiatric ward, setting the stage for a profound exploration of mental health and human connection.

The author, Mencarelli, draws from his own experiences with mental illness to depict the raw realities of life within the psychiatric ward. Over the course of seven days, Daniele grapples with his inner demons while forging unexpected bonds with fellow patients. These men, each carrying their own burdens of pain and vulnerability, come together to uncover the strength found in their shared experiences. Through their interactions, they learn the importance of empathy and solidarity, redefining what it means to be 'normal' in a world that often marginalizes those who struggle.

Ultimately, Everything Calls for Salvation is a heart-wrenching yet uplifting tale that challenges societal perceptions of mental illness. Mencarelli's poignant prose illuminates the beauty of human connection and the healing power of understanding, making this novel a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.