The heart of the book lies in the exploration of the inner lives of these young people, whether or not they find their way to clinical services. It sets out to illuminate the sorts of things that go wrong, and how we can help to address them - the crises of identity, gender, loss, self-harm, bullying, depression, anger, suicidal impulses, anxiety. 'Margot Waddell came to psychoanalysis and child psychotherapy equipped with a deep knowledge of English literature, and the richness of sensibility this conjunction engendered has made her a widely admired clinician and writer. This moving and impressive book draws on her particular love for the challenges of understanding adolescents, and links her clinical experience to an investigation of the psycho-social space for adolescents in the contemporary world. It is thus written for all interested in the adolescent years and is just what is needed to expand and refine?our thinking in the context of the high levels of concern about adolescent distress and disturbance. A book for our times indeed.'-Margaret Rustin, Honorary Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, Tavistock Portman Trust 'Margot Waddell draws on psychoanalytic theory, long clinical experience and the deep resources of fiction and poetry to guide us through one of the most exciting and troubling periods of life. ?This is such a rich, beautifully written study, packed with interesting cases and masses of human wisdom. Of clear value to all parents of adolescents, and teenagers themselves, it is a book we can all relish'-Melissa Benn, novelist and author of What Should We Tell Our Daughters? ? ? 'This book is breath-taking in its profound understanding of adolescence, coming from a lifetime's experience of working with this age group and a deep knowledge of literature.'-Robin Anderson, psychoanalyst, former Chair, Adolescent Department, Tavistock Clinic '? at once challenging and inspiring [this] is a volume that will expand our thinking about the complexities of adolescent psychic life, offering an understanding to sustain and enrich us both in the consulting room and far beyond.'-from the Foreword by Edna O'Shaughnessy