The botany of madness: insight into the psychological secrets of the family

The botany of madness: insight into the psychological secrets of the family

On November 12, 2025, “Botany of Madness,” the debut novel by Leon Engler, a promising talent in the literary world, was published. In his book, Engler examines the psychological problems of his own family and addresses the central question: What makes a “normal person”? It becomes clear that the protagonist's family is anything but ordinary. With topics such as the grandmother's schizophrenia, the father's depression and the mother's addiction, Engler paints a picture of relatives struggling with psychological instability. O1 reports that the protagonist is particularly concerned about the possible transgenerational transmission of these mental illnesses.

Transgenerational transmission, a concept particularly discussed in the social sciences, describes the unintentional transfer of experiences from one generation to the next. This is often the case with unprocessed psychological trauma that is passed on to descendants over many years without them being aware of it. Processing trauma is often an important aspect of breaking the vicious circle of this transmission. Wikipedia highlights that children of Holocaust survivors or other traumatized groups often seek therapy to deal with the experiences of their ancestors.

A man of many talents

Leon Engler is not only an author, but also a psychologist, journalist and university lecturer who studied in renowned places such as Vienna, Paris and Berlin. His interest in psychological topics is also reflected in his professional career: As host of the psychiatry podcast “The Truth Somewhere in Here,” he provides insights into the complex world of mental health. For his work he was awarded the 3sat Prize at the Bachmann Competition in 2022 and is also on the shortlist of the Aktuell Literature Prize.

His debut novel, which has been translated into six languages, shows not only literary skill but also a deep understanding of the psychological mechanisms in family structures. Engler wonders how widely these insecurities and psychological problems are passed on and whether resilience, i.e. the ability to deal with difficulties, can be a positive consequence of these experiences.

Offers for discussion and public presence

On November 15, 2025, Engler will speak about his work at Buch Wien. This event is an opportunity to look behind the scenes of a novel that is not only fictional, but is heavily interwoven with real psychological issues. Engler wants to initiate a dialogue that goes beyond the written word - and thereby shows that talking about trauma can also bring healing.

The findings about transgenerational transmission and its impact on future generations are important not only for researchers, but also for a broad audience. Engler invites you to join him on a literary and psychological journey of discovery and to explore the intricacies of the human psyche. Dealing with the past is and remains a challenge – but also an opportunity for change.