Bel Vidal is the pen name of a Bolivian-born Australian writer and mental health advocate. Her award-winning début novel, Exuberance, was released in both eBook and paperback formats in 2023.

“A poignant story about living with a mental health condition, offering insight and hope.”
Anne Buist, co-author of bestselling novel The Glass House & Chair of Women’s Health, University of Melbourne

Bel's collection of fiction and non-fiction, Tales of Suburban Castaways, was published worldwide in 2024.

Click on image to read more about Exuberance and where to buy it

Click on image to read more about Tales of Suburban Castaways, a collection of fiction and non-fiction

Click on image to read more about Bel, pictured here at Bay of Fires, Tasmania

Click on image to read Bel's blog, "Midnight Musings"

What readers are saying about Exuberance

'A wonderful journey of the power of the human mind'
Exuberance is full of real heart and feeling for the trauma of mental illness and how it touches a whole family. There is humour and warmth as well as the realistic darkness of the journey for Angie as a wife, daughter and friend. 

'Heartfelt and eye-opening'
A beautifully written and heartfelt story of a young woman navigating the extremes of a confronting mental illness, until she can no longer do it alone. It captures the essence of a disorder often kept behind the scenes and breaks down some of the stigmas.

'Uplifting and enthralling' 
From the first page to the last I loved Exuberance. In a narrative told with energy and sensitivity, the author takes you on a journey of twists and unexpected turns and leaves you feeling nothing but admiration for Angelica's determination. ​