Introduction
The best-selling novel First Person Plural is based on a true story concerning abuse, repressed memories, and, most importantly, mental illness. Cameron West wrote the book as an outcome of his doctoral dissertation in psychology, which focused on the experiential components of dissociative identity disorder (DID), commonly known as multiple personality disorder. This autobiography, which recounts the writer’s struggle with his diagnosis, is directed both at professionals and at people who suffer from the disease.
Cameron’s illness was caused by frequent sexual molestation from close relatives when he was a child. In my reading of the book, Cameron provides a detailed account of his struggles during a pivotal period of his life, drawing on varying personalities in terms of gender, age, origin, and character. I find First Person Plural to be an exceptional narrative about the intricate nature of one’s identity and the human mind’s perseverance in the face of catastrophe.
The Emergence of Dissociative Identity Disorder
My first impression of the book is shaped by the exciting introduction titled “My Guys,” in which the author introduces his “alter” identities. The “alters” are described as 24 distinct characters, some appearing frequently and being more influential, while others appear infrequently and are peripheral. I find their origin quite unusual, but West (1999) describes how they evolved. The author starts by recounting his triumphs in his thirties as a wealthy businessman with a wonderful marriage to the love of his life, with whom he had a child.
Despite having a physiological problem, Cameron underwent multiple surgeries, followed a diet, and eventually felt much better. However, I find his aftermath after the recovery intriguing, as it leads to considerable difficulty in his life, which is what constitutes the story’s gist: the formation of a mental illness. The author details his experience marked by inattention and blackouts, impairment of memory, timelessness, an overwhelming sense of inner voices, and the agonizing awareness that something was seriously wrong. In the end, Cameron was diagnosed with DID after visiting a psychiatrist.
I find Cameron’s diagnosis an unexpected eventuality as he was in denial, as nothing pointed to the fact that he would be in a serious mental illness. The condition highlights the importance of an exemplary and sometimes tenacious support system from the wife and therapists that enabled Cameron to discover the 24 distinct personalities. These “alters” told Cameron of severe sexual assault during his youth by family members he was unable to recall.
I get to understand that some of the “guys” had a weak psyche and exhibited communication issues, timidity, and friendliness. West (1999) conducted family investigations and discovered that his relatives were aware of reports of sexual assault in their immediate families but did everything in their power to cover up this information. I appreciate his spouse’s involvement, as she implicated Cameron’s mother in the crime right away, even though she did not respond immediately.
Narrative Style, Support Systems, and the Recovery Journey
I discovered that Cameron uses an omniscient style as he documents each incident in the first person. I find it easy to identify scenes that do not involve Cameron directly. In the words of Udeme (2023), the primary characters’ development is predictable and follows the traditional gradual-revelation model. West (1999) incorporates elements of everyday life into the novel through a notebook, which lends credibility to the story. Cameron is a highly passionate and elaborate person, which compensates for some weaknesses in his writing style.
As I continue reading the memoir, the more astonishing it looks that the author managed to maintain his buoyant spirit, compassionate heart, and light humor despite his experiences before writing this autobiography. I find it difficult to fully comprehend the source of determination and commitment that could drive a young woman to give up her aspirations and ambitions for the sake of a man who is critically ill and unlikely to recover. Aside from being delighted for Cameron that he had such a supportive, knowledgeable woman nearby when he needed her the most, it is fascinating to know that such people exist outside of fiction, which gives me the impression that Cameron will get better.
He also does not give up and travels to California with his family and begins treatment at a medical facility specializing in DID cases. However, the condition deteriorates progressively, and now and then, a new “guy” appears, frightening Cameron’s son and wife. I am not surprised that he had to visit a hospital in Texas and is being monitored to ensure that he is not insane. According to West (1999), the intricate healing process began once the illness was recognized as treatable. Things unexpectedly began to improve, and after reuniting with his family, Cameron decided to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology, which he completed.
Emotional Impact and Critical Evaluation of Writing Style
I am filled with mixed emotions and genuinely intrigued thanks to the author’s upbeat attitude and sense of humor. If I were a person struggling with the same condition, I would feel encouraged and look forward to reuniting with my family as Cameron did. When I read about the relatives’ heinous crimes, I feel overpowered by emotions. It is difficult to imagine that a guy who several individuals have sexually abused at a young age can ever enjoy an ordinary life. This makes me angry, especially when I consider that such people frequently dodge justice, and even if they are punished, the consequences are never sufficiently harsh for them.
Cameron’s most significant flaw is the book’s writing style, which should be revised. West (1999) provides brief bursts of flippant phrases with little significance. For example, “We had serious trouble right here in River City. And that ends with why, and that rhymes with die, and that stands for dead” (West, 1999, p.50). The usage of metaphors needs to be improved, as they cannot be easily understood unless one has the specific knowledge to understand them (Ehrenhaft, 2022).
For example, “battling the infection was like trying to hold back a tsunami with a parasol” (West, 1999, p.35). I am further confused by Cameron’s approach to describing each person’s attire, as I do not get the relevance of these descriptions. He does a fantastic job of describing the lived experiences of multiple personality disorder, but needs to improve at developing symbolic illustrations that convey his experience. For instance, “I’m aware that the voices belong to others who live in the lazy Susan of my mind” (West, 1999, p.29). Such wordplay is unnecessary, making his light, comedic manner appear odd.
Conclusion
In summary, Cameron’s story is insightful despite the anguish and frustration he experiences both before and after his diagnosis. First Person Plural is engaging through its multiple personalities, all encased within one person. Cameron also demonstrated the support he had from family and doctors, demonstrating their sensitive approach and participation, which invokes a feeling of trust that the world is not such a wrong place after all. I get more enlightened when the whole meaning of the title is revealed. Communicating in the first-person plural means that the author not only shares his narrative but also the tale of many people who need to know they are not alone or forsaken. Regardless of the difficulty, a few individuals will offer assistance out of affection and with optimism for a better future.
References
Ehrenhaft, G. (2022). Barron’s Ap English literature and composition. Barrons Test Prep.
Udeme U. (2023). How to write a book review. Book review guide. GRIN Verlag.
West, C. (1999). First person plural: My life as a multiple. Hyperion.