The Book of Niall: A personal, depersonalisation story

"A mesmerising story of reality and disillusionment from a real-life master of illusion."
Matt Lucas - Actor, comedian and writer\nTHE BOOK OF NIALL is a 240-page, full colour original graphic novel about reality, illusion and mental health, in which the reader actively takes part in the story and the book itself becomes a magical object in their hands. It's written and illustrated by Barry Jones, best known as one half of the magic/comedy double act Barry and Stuart The Story\nActor Niall Adams seems to have it all. Hollywood career, LA apartment, money, youth, good looks, a loving partner. His life should be perfect… except it isn’t.
In fact, Niall’s grip on reality is rapidly slipping away. He is certain that everybody around him is also an actor, reciting lines from a pre-written script. He is convinced that at any moment the director will call cut.
Little does Niall know that his perception of reality is about to be tested to its limits, as he is swept along on a hyper-real journey through the bizarre world of fame and celebrity… right up to the bleeding edge of existence itself.
A timely, philosophical and often humorous exploration of mental health, THE BOOK OF NIALL is a story of acceptance, understanding and - most importantly - a story of hope. It teaches us how to find meaning and mindfulness in an often confusing and disconnected world. Depersonalisation and Derealisation Disorder
What lies at the core of THE BOOK OF NIALL is an exploration of two mental health conditions: Depersonalisation and Derealisation Disorders (DPDR). Typically, as a result of these conditions, the patient feels like they are living in a different reality - that they don't exist, their body is not theirs, or that the world is an illusion. It is believed that as many as 1% of people may have DPDR (the same number as those who suffer from OCD or Schizophrenia), yet it can take many years before a patient is diagnosed, as awareness of the condition is very low, even among clinicians. Praise and Acclaim for The Book of Niall\n“One of my favourite wonderworkers takes us to the heart of what it is to find peace in a difficult world. It's a poignant story of illusion, the self, and the outer reaches of mental health. And a gift to anyone who suffers from the suspicion that reality cannot be as it seems.”
Derren Brown - Illusionist, painter and author “A brilliant, highly innovative and important exploration into depersonalisation disorders. This interactive, genre-busting work is packed full of wonderful twists and turns, plays with readers’ minds, and questions fundamental assumptions about the nature of self.”
Richard Wiseman - Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology, University of Hertfordshire
"The Book Of Niall is probably the most creative and relatable way of depicting depersonalisation disorder that I’ve ever seen - it does such an accurate job of communicating the confusion, bewilderment and hard realities of living with the disorder and it’s all so beautifully crafted."
Joe Perkins - Musician, Unreal Charity Trustee and author of "Life on Autopilot: A guide to Living with Depersonalisation Disorder"\n“The Book of Niall is an enthralling exploration of critical issues, both philosophical and psychological. Without being preachy, it suggests answers to timeless questions—and even serves as a guide to when to stop asking them. It is refreshing, challenging, beautiful and unique. I recommend it especially to those who seek out art that does philosophy. It is not, after all, just a comic book.”
David Kyle Johnson, Ph.D. - Professor of Philosophy at King’s College (PA) and Editor-in-Chief of The Palgrave Handbook of Popular Culture as Philosophy