The Ward of Lost Socks

By Emma L James

The Ward of Lost Socks is a moving novel inspired by a true story of mental health crisis, eating disorder recovery, motherhood, hospital admission, family love, and learning to live again.

After a mental health crisis leaves Jo on bed seven of a hospital ward, she is convinced she has failed as a mother, daughter, and person.

Exhausted by seizures, intrusive thoughts, disordered eating, trauma, motherhood and shame, Jo arrives on the ward frightened, fragile, and certain she is beyond repair.

But the ward is not the silent, hopeless place she imagined.
There is Brenda, guarding emergency tea bags like treasure. Tasha, hiding fear behind sarcasm and dramatic eyeliner. Margaret, watching pigeons as if they are a full-time soap opera. And Kevin - the most morally questionable pigeon in hospital history.

Through bad nights, suspicious custard, stolen biscuits, family visits, tiny spoonfuls, and unexpected laughter, Jo begins to learn that recovery is not about becoming perfect. It is about staying. Speaking. Eating one spoonful more. Letting people help before the darkness wins.

Warm, honest, heartbreaking and quietly funny, The Ward of Lost Socks is a hopeful story about eating disorders, mental illness, motherhood, family, friendship, and finding light in the darkest places.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0H3KJWBBK
• ISBN13: 9798199421539
• Release Date: May 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 244 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"