By: Jason Gerber
In A Madness Ago, Dana Thomas Clancy delivers an introspective and deeply personal narrative that walks the tightrope between humor and heartbreak, between the self-lost in mania and the self-striving to be found. This is more than just a story—it’s an experience, vividly reconstructed with striking detail, offering a glimpse into a mind swept up in a tidal wave of emotion and uncertainty.
The Story: Dance McBride and the Avalanche of Memory
Dance McBride is teetering on the precipice of adulthood, nearing the end of his final semester at Holy Cross. He is both eager and apprehensive, preparing for Naval Officer Candidate School at Newport while carrying the weight of a past that refuses to loosen its grip. But as he takes steps toward his future, an unseen force is tracking his every move, an avalanche waiting for the right moment to descend upon him.
Told through a lens that blends nostalgia, wit, and raw vulnerability, A Madness Ago doesn’t merely recount events—it immerses the reader in the turbulence of Dance’s manic episode. His recollections are infused with humor, even as they dance on the edge of sorrow. There’s an awareness of the absurdity of life, a recognition that even in the throes of mental turmoil, there exists an undeniable poetry to human experience.
A Manic Reflection, A Poignant Truth
“I had a dream last night…oh, it was such a dream…that one day… the world will stop, watch, and listen…that one halcyon day a mad lapsed Catholic Jewboy with absurd lineage will take his proper place in an exquisite predestined scheme hatched by Gawd Awmighty…”
Clancy’s words transcend the page, striking a chord with anyone who has ever felt untethered from reality, lost in the overwhelming intensity of their own thoughts. The novel is an intimate portrait of bipolar mania from 50 years ago, a secret never before shared, now unfolded with a depth of detail that refuses to shy away from its own discomfort. And yet, rather than a lament, it reads as an offering—an invitation to laugh, reflect, and perhaps understand the fragility of the mind through the author’s unapologetic honesty.
Humor as a Lifeline
What makes A Madness Ago stand out is not just its introspection but its ability to wield humor as both a coping mechanism and a storytelling tool. Clancy does not present his experience as tragic but rather as something inherently human, imbued with moments of levity amidst the darkness. His narrative does not ask for pity; instead, it offers a wry smile, a knowing nod to the absurdity of existence.
At times, the humor feels like a safeguard, a means to take the reader by the hand and lead them through the labyrinth of Clancy’s mind without ever making them feel lost. The novel does not sugarcoat the reality of mental illness, but it refuses to let despair overshadow the beauty of life. Even in moments of uncertainty, there is light, and in Clancy’s retelling, that light is both illuminating and deeply human.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Throughout A Madness Ago, there is an undeniable search for identity. Dance McBride is not just battling his past and an encroaching avalanche of fate; he is searching for himself. Through the highs and lows, the dreams and the delusions, he embarks on a journey that is both universal and uniquely personal.
This search for meaning within madness makes A Madness Ago a compelling read for anyone who has questioned their place in the world. Clancy’s experiences may be rooted in a specific time and space, but the emotions and questions he wrestles with transcend boundaries. How do we make peace with our past? How do we forge a future when burdened by memories that refuse to fade? Clancy does not necessarily provide answers, but he gives us something just as valuable—a glimpse into the mind of someone who has walked that path and lived to tell the tale.
A Story That Stays With You
A Madness Ago is more than just a memoir-like exploration of mental illness—it is a testament to the power of memory, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring presence of humor even in our most vulnerable moments. Whether you have firsthand experience with mania or are simply drawn to literature that delves into the complexities of identity and self-awareness, this book offers a thought-provoking experience.
With A Madness Ago, Dana Thomas Clancy invites readers to step inside his mind—a place of dreams, delusions, and discovery. And in doing so, he reminds us that even in madness, there is meaning. More than a story, it is a beacon for those who have ever felt lost in their own thoughts, offering connection, understanding, and, perhaps most importantly, a reminder that even the most turbulent minds can find their own kind of peace.
Published by Anne C.
