Review of Keys to Harmony

[Paschaline Anah]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Keys to Harmony" by Margalit Jakob.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Keys to Harmony by Margalit Jakob is an inspiring and daring autobiography that deeply discusses the innards of depression, how incomprehensible it is to people who haven’t experienced it, and how to pull out from the dark tunnel of depression. Margalit was a pianist who started playing from childhood and whose lifelong dream was entwined with piano playing. She moved from the US to Jerusalem, where she is originally from, after undergraduate school to get a master's degree in music, where she had a very bad experience that she chose to rather forget.



This was the genesis of depression, which she didn't realize at first. She decided to look past it but couldn't keep any job afterwards because she ended up being sacked multiple times due to overall lack of interest. She met Elisha, who also was going through depression, and they both helped each other, and he was of great support to her. After their marriage and childbirth, she couldn't pay attention to her kids; then suicidal ideation set in. She decided to see a therapist, but after seeing a series of them, none could help, and they always thought that she didn't need medication for her case. Until she met Dr. Gold, who eventually became the turning point of her depression.



This book was very endearing to me because it dissected the complexities of depression and gave me much understanding of what it feels like to be depressed. The book was raw and detailed, and the narrating style was well suited for the book, including the date and time interval of specific events. The author's choice of words was easy to understand, and the inclusion of a glossary at the end of the book to explain some Jewish words and traditions was very helpful.



I don't dislike anything about this book because I like to read autobiographies, and I also had a lot to take away from it because not only does it demystify depression, but it also shows effective ways to defeat it. The book didn't contain any errors, and it shows that it was professionally edited, making it a good and worthwhile read.



I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to people who are struggling with depression, mental health issues, and low self-esteem and to artists or creators who feel like they aren't good enough.

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Keys to Harmony
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