Helpful Score: 3
The Lost Girls of Willowbrook by Ellen Marie Wiseman is based on actual events that occurred at Willowbrook State School, a mental institution in New York whose horrible mistreatment of individuals was exposed by Geraldo Rivera and others in the 1970s.
When I read a novel by Ellen Marie Wiseman, I know I'll glimpse the evil of human nature that existed in historical events. She'll take me to places I'd rather not go with characters I strongly dislike, but her writing is compelling and the stories illuminate parts of history that are important to know. Thankfully her books are ultimately hopeful which motivates me to pick up the next piece of her brilliant writing.
This novel was often difficult to read because the descriptions of the conditions at Willowbrook were so gruesome; it triggered my anxiety fairly severely. But as hard as it was to read, I continued to honor of individuals who actually lived through this horrendous abuse. This is a fast-paced mix of fact and fiction, and I was cheering for Sage as she endures deplorable abuse to seek the truth about her twin sister Rosemary.
I wish poor treatment of vulnerable individuals was in the past, but a state institution near me is currently facing allegations of abuse, neglect, and scientific experimentation of its residents. Shocking and so sad.
Thank you to Kensington Books for the review copy of this powerful novel; all opinions are my own.
When I read a novel by Ellen Marie Wiseman, I know I'll glimpse the evil of human nature that existed in historical events. She'll take me to places I'd rather not go with characters I strongly dislike, but her writing is compelling and the stories illuminate parts of history that are important to know. Thankfully her books are ultimately hopeful which motivates me to pick up the next piece of her brilliant writing.
This novel was often difficult to read because the descriptions of the conditions at Willowbrook were so gruesome; it triggered my anxiety fairly severely. But as hard as it was to read, I continued to honor of individuals who actually lived through this horrendous abuse. This is a fast-paced mix of fact and fiction, and I was cheering for Sage as she endures deplorable abuse to seek the truth about her twin sister Rosemary.
I wish poor treatment of vulnerable individuals was in the past, but a state institution near me is currently facing allegations of abuse, neglect, and scientific experimentation of its residents. Shocking and so sad.
Thank you to Kensington Books for the review copy of this powerful novel; all opinions are my own.
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