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aussiemathematician.io — Paula Tretkoff · Mathematician · Professor Emerita, Texas A&M, College St, TX, USA.

DIANA DIRKBY

Stories That Illuminate the Shadows
Where Mental Health Meets the Power of Fiction

Diana Dirkby is the Pen Name of Paula Tretkoff – Mathematician

What happens when reality fractures and words become the only way to make sense of it?

Welcome to the world of Diana Dirkby, a fiction author whose writing transforms lived experience into literature that challenges, heals and humanizes. Through her deeply moving novels, Diana confronts themes often left unspoken: the stigma of schizophrenia, sibling abuse, generational trauma and the quiet courage of survival.

Her stories are not just about illness or pain; they are about resilience, identity and the shimmering moments of connection that survive even the darkest times. Whether you are drawn to psychological thrillers, literary fiction or stories rooted in truth, Diana’s books invite readers to explore the fragile, beautiful boundaries between sanity and madness, love and loss, myth and memory.

About me

Diana Dirkby – A Voice Born from Experience

“My name is Diana Dirkby and I am a mental health consumer living with schizophrenia. I write fiction.”

Behind this simple statement lies a world of courage and creativity. Writing under her pen name, Diana Dirkby brings authenticity and depth to mental health fiction drawn from her own experiences and her family’s. Born in Sydney, Australia, Diana now divides her time between Texas and Alaska with her spouse. Before turning to fiction, she built a distinguished career as a university professor and research mathematician under her real name, Paula Tretkoff.

Her transition from mathematics to fiction mirrors her journey through complexity, seeking patterns, meaning and truth where others might only see chaos. Diana’s writing is her bridge between two worlds: the analytical and the emotional, the real and the imagined. Through her books, she gives voice to those often silenced by the stigma of schizophrenia, using storytelling as both revelation and remedy.

learn More About Me

The Overlife

A Tale Of Schizophrenia

What if your mind became a maze and your memories the only map out?

In this semi-fictional narrative, Diana Dirkby draws from her own life and her mother’s struggles with paranoid schizophrenia to tell the story of Sarah, a brilliant young woman navigating love, madness and memory.

Told in lyrical prose, The Overlife dismantles the stigma of schizophrenia with empathy and insight, revealing how identity can be rebuilt from fragments. It’s a haunting yet hopeful novel about survival, scar tissue and the fragile beauty of trying again.

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THREE kIDNAPPED

THREE SIBLINGS

THREE FURIES

When three teenagers vanish in a small Texas town and body parts begin arriving at their families’ doorsteps, the horror runs deeper than any crime; it’s a myth reborn.

Through alternating perspectives, Diana weaves a chilling psychological thriller that merges Greek mythology with modern trauma, exploring sibling abuse, vengeance and the fractures that form within families.

Scholar of the Greek Myths Isabel Morse, a survivor of paranoid schizophrenia herself, unravels a case where madness, justice and mythology collide. What unfolds is a gripping examination of how pain echoes across generations and how darkness can sometimes mirror our most human truths.

Both novels embody Diana’s signature style: raw honesty, lyrical storytelling and a fearless dive into the human psyche. Together, they form a powerful literary statement, one that reclaims narratives about mental illness, trauma and identity from stereotype and silence.

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Amazon Best Seller by a
writer with schizophrenia

Best Seller in parenting hyperactive children & children with disabilities

Testimonials

What Readers Are Saying

Diana Dirkby has hit another homerun! In her new book, "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies," she tells a cautionary tale of sibling abuse and consequences for those who perpetrate the offense. This is a page turner from start to finish. She intertwines many aspects of human behavior with myths and horror. I read many thrillers and this rates up with the best of them! Must read!
Page turner! P. Henderson
This book delivers a stunning combination of ancient vengeance and modern trauma. The way it ties together mythic elements with real emotional stakes is both clever and haunting.
Where Myth Meets Modern Tragedy Carly Landry
This novel masterfully blends suspense with deep emotional connections between siblings. The kidnappings serve as a backdrop to explore family loyalty and courage. The author’s vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue create a vivid, immersive experience. Each sibling’s journey felt authentic and powerful. The three “Furies” add a mythic intensity that elevated the story beyond a simple thriller. I found myself rooting for the characters constantly, feeling their pain and triumphs. A gripping page-turner that delivers both heart and adrenaline.
Emotional and Thrilling from Start to Finish Hazel Schiller
This book weaves sibling love, loss, and revenge into a suspenseful story that feels both modern and mythic. The pacing is tight, the characters unforgettable, and the themes cut deep.
Justice Has Never Felt So Personal Promise Sierra
Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies" masterfully blends suspense with emotional depth. The kidnapping plot creates nonstop tension, while the sibling interactions provide warmth and complexity. The three “Furies” add a fascinating mythological layer that gives the story symbolic weight. The characters are multi-dimensional and relatable, making their struggles feel personal and impactful. The pacing is excellent, balancing action and emotional moments perfectly. This book kept me hooked from beginning to end, and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy a powerful family thriller.
A Must-Read for Thriller and Family Drama FansHerman Thompson
Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies" is a captivating novel that combines high-stakes suspense with deep emotional resonance. The kidnappings drive a tense, page-turning plot, but the heart of the book lies in the siblings’ relationships and their unwavering loyalty. The “Furies” concept adds a unique mythological touch that deepens the story’s themes of justice and vengeance. The characters are vividly drawn and relatable, making their struggles feel real and impactful. I thoroughly enjoyed the balance of action and emotional depth. Highly recommended!
A Thrilling and Thought-Provoking ReadWilda Novak
This book is a gripping exploration of what family means when faced with unimaginable challenges. The kidnappings set a thrilling stage, but the heart of the story is in the sibling relationships and their fierce loyalty. The three “Furies” symbolize that protective fire that lives in all of us. The writing is vivid and immersive, with great pacing and well-crafted twists. I was drawn into the story’s emotional core and kept turning pages late into the night. A powerful and unforgettable read!
A Riveting Tale of Loyalty and StrengthEdward Diaz
Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies" is an intense rollercoaster that kept me hooked from start to finish. The sibling dynamics are portrayed with raw emotion and depth, making the characters incredibly relatable. The suspense and twists kept me guessing until the last page. The story explores themes of resilience, love, and vengeance in a unique way that feels fresh and compelling. The pacing is perfect, balancing action with heartfelt moments. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves thrilling family dramas with complex characters and unexpected turns.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Gripping Tale of Family and Fury Antwan Effertz
The Overlife is a interesting, honest look at how it is to live with someone you love who struggles with paranoid schizophrenia while in turn beginning to experience those struggles within oneself. Dirkby paints a clear picture of the difficult times Sarah endured both while experiencing the closeness to her mother and the fear of her father. Her life became increasingly difficult as her mother's disease progressed and her own started to appear. A must read for anyone interested in understanding the mind of someone who experiences the difficulties that come with paranoid schizophrenia. The book is also a fascinating look at another person's perspective of living in and experiencing Australia.
Excellent readP. Henderson
Diana Dirkby gives readers a real-life look at schizophrenia through spinning a fascinating tale about the lives and relationship between a mother and daughter, both of whom have the illness. While fiction, this wonderful book is informed by the author's own first-hand knowledge of paranoid schizophrenia.
Inside Look at SchizophreniaMindy Greiling
This book is a deeply moving portrayal of schizophrenia’s impact on a family. Dirkby’s personal experience shines through, making Sarah and Jodie’s struggles feel authentic and profound. A must-read for understanding the complexities of mental health and the hope that lies beyond.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterful Blend of Fiction and RealityWhite Sarah
Told with remarkable sensitivity, The Overlife examines the impact of schizophrenia on one’s identity, relationships, and perception of reality. It’s a powerful story of survival and self-discovery.
Candid Look at Schizophrenia Kenneth Torres
Offers a poignant glimpse into a world few understand.
Eye-Opening and CompellingElijah Mitchell
This book takes readers on a profound journey into the complexities of living with schizophrenia. The storytelling is vivid, raw, and deeply empathetic.
Journey Through the MindEllie Torres
The Overlife is a courageous narrative that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of schizophrenia. Sarah’s resilience and the family’s dynamics are portrayed with such depth and empathy that it leaves a lasting impression. A truly enlightening and emotional read.
5.0 out of 5 stars Unflinching Look at Mental IllnessRichard David
The Overlife is a courageous narrative that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of schizophrenia. Sarah’s resilience and the family’s dynamics are portrayed with such depth and empathy that it leaves a lasting impression. A truly enlightening and emotional read.
A Heartbreaking Yet Hopeful Journey Wong Kenneth