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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
This was recommended as a comp for The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, which — coincidentally — I just finished rereading before this. In my opinion, it delivered. Kolker weaves together the story of the Galvin family, where 6 of the 12 children are diagnosed with schizophrenia, and the story of the researchers who have been trying to unlock the secrets of schizophrenia for decades. (Unlike Skloot, he goes to sometimes odd lengths to keep himself and his research process for the book out of the text itself.) With a few exceptions (Richard and Mark), he managed to make every one of the members of the Galvin family a distinct and memorable individual, though he understandably gives the most airtime to those who actively collaborated with him on the book's creation. The book highlights multiple important subject areas: the realities of mental illness, the choices that parents have to make, and the ways that research and medicine affect real people's lives. It raises more questions than it answers, but the overall message is clear, that there is yet to be — and may never be — one right answer about the cause or treatment of schizophrenia, but in the meantime it is affecting real human beings who deserve to be seen as such. This is definitely a worthwhile read.
challenging
informative
medium-paced
dark
informative
slow-paced
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
informative
slow-paced
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
emotional
informative
medium-paced
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
This is a heartbreaking look inside an American family with 10 sons and 2 daughters, 6 of whom suffer from schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a disease that carries a lot of stigma today, so it is no surprise that there was an even deeper lack of understanding and management for those who were diagnosed in the 1960s. This novel is so well researched and so well written.
I was fascinated with how connected I felt to this family as a reader--and as someone who does have a history of mental illnesses in my family requiring care as well. The Galvins went through unimaginable trauma and tragedy trying to understand what was happening to their seemingly picture perfect family. There is so much nuance portrayed, especially within the matriarch, Mimi, and the two daughters, Margaret and Mary. Within one family, you can see how differently everyone reacts to and deals with the challenges and trauma. Even in present day, I can't say I know much about how schizophrenic patients are managed. It is extremely sad to see such promising young men have to be heavily sedated and managed in long term care facilities for the rest of their lives.
It was especially informative to see the author also weave in advancements and discoveries in schizophrenic research through the 1900s and how the Galvin family played a not-insignificant role in that. Hearing Lindsay's POV and how she shoulders most of the burden caring for her family was deeply reflective for me. Also I loved how it worked out full circle thather daughter ended up working with the scientist that had spent so long researching her family . Very very well done. I wish nothing but the best for the remaining family members.
I was fascinated with how connected I felt to this family as a reader--and as someone who does have a history of mental illnesses in my family requiring care as well. The Galvins went through unimaginable trauma and tragedy trying to understand what was happening to their seemingly picture perfect family. There is so much nuance portrayed, especially within the matriarch, Mimi, and the two daughters, Margaret and Mary. Within one family, you can see how differently everyone reacts to and deals with the challenges and trauma. Even in present day, I can't say I know much about how schizophrenic patients are managed. It is extremely sad to see such promising young men have to be heavily sedated and managed in long term care facilities for the rest of their lives.
It was especially informative to see the author also weave in advancements and discoveries in schizophrenic research through the 1900s and how the Galvin family played a not-insignificant role in that. Hearing Lindsay's POV and how she shoulders most of the burden caring for her family was deeply reflective for me. Also I loved how it worked out full circle that
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Incest, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Drug abuse, Suicide attempt