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A review by campychick001
The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano
3.0
Vivienne Mourdant is a concert pianist with an unfortunate upbringing. The death of her father releases her from his strict constraints but also leaves her with several burdens - his crippling debt and a mysterious ward at a nearby asylum, Hurstwell Pauper Lunatic Asylum. In her pursuit of discovering the identity of her new ward, she unexpectedly ends up becoming a patient at Hurstwell.
This was a heartbreaking story that sheds light on the atrocities of these asylums - especially those done to women. The author's inclusion of men and women of different backgrounds and ailments created a well rounded look at how these establishments were run and the lack of information on physical and mental disabilities during those times. The use of the main character, Vivienne, as a source of light through her persistent nature and musical abilities shows the humanity in all the patients abandoned and abused in the establishment. The love stories among various characters added a lightness to the heavy topics included in this book.
This was a heartbreaking story that sheds light on the atrocities of these asylums - especially those done to women. The author's inclusion of men and women of different backgrounds and ailments created a well rounded look at how these establishments were run and the lack of information on physical and mental disabilities during those times. The use of the main character, Vivienne, as a source of light through her persistent nature and musical abilities shows the humanity in all the patients abandoned and abused in the establishment. The love stories among various characters added a lightness to the heavy topics included in this book.