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_askthebookbug's review
4.0
// The Degenerates by Albert Mann
Last year I read about the fallen women of Ireland. A system and an institution set up with the sole purpose of exploiting young and old women for several reasons. This particular strong institution came to be known as Magdalene laundries, within the walls of which the sweat and blood of these women still swirl on and on.
What I didn't know was of a similar institute that was setup for both men and women in the States. Scientists and others believed in eugenics and hence came into picture the daunting Walter E. Fernald Developmental Center. Colored people, those with mental health issues, immigrants, physical disabilities, homosexuals etc., were sent to this center for life. They were called morons, imbeciles and degenerates. This story that Albert narrates is set in this particular institute.
The story which is set in 1928 revolves around four girls, each different in their own way: Alice, Maxine, Rose and London. But amongst them are thousands of other girls and women who face a similar situation. Trapped within the institute, they are mere puppets. They have no voice, no desires and have no hope of leaving the horrible place. There are graphic descriptions of what went on within those walls, leaving me shocked and furious. But there's also sisterhood, solidarity and above all a deep courage within the girls to protect each other.
Albert has taken the exact terms that were put to use by the attendants in describing the people who were taken forcefully. Thousands of innocents were graded as stupids/morons with a brain the size of an infant. Their harsh treatment is something unimaginable but the fact that it truly happened is beyond frightening.
Human race is undoubtedly the dangerous one to inhabit the planet and heinous acts like these worries me.
Fast-paced and interesting, this book was an eye opening read. I wish there was more to the story but I'll take this for now.
Last year I read about the fallen women of Ireland. A system and an institution set up with the sole purpose of exploiting young and old women for several reasons. This particular strong institution came to be known as Magdalene laundries, within the walls of which the sweat and blood of these women still swirl on and on.
What I didn't know was of a similar institute that was setup for both men and women in the States. Scientists and others believed in eugenics and hence came into picture the daunting Walter E. Fernald Developmental Center. Colored people, those with mental health issues, immigrants, physical disabilities, homosexuals etc., were sent to this center for life. They were called morons, imbeciles and degenerates. This story that Albert narrates is set in this particular institute.
The story which is set in 1928 revolves around four girls, each different in their own way: Alice, Maxine, Rose and London. But amongst them are thousands of other girls and women who face a similar situation. Trapped within the institute, they are mere puppets. They have no voice, no desires and have no hope of leaving the horrible place. There are graphic descriptions of what went on within those walls, leaving me shocked and furious. But there's also sisterhood, solidarity and above all a deep courage within the girls to protect each other.
Albert has taken the exact terms that were put to use by the attendants in describing the people who were taken forcefully. Thousands of innocents were graded as stupids/morons with a brain the size of an infant. Their harsh treatment is something unimaginable but the fact that it truly happened is beyond frightening.
Human race is undoubtedly the dangerous one to inhabit the planet and heinous acts like these worries me.
Fast-paced and interesting, this book was an eye opening read. I wish there was more to the story but I'll take this for now.
toesinthesand's review
4.0
Ouch. This book was both engrossing and hard to read. What we did (and still do) to people different than us, not "normal", is horrifying.
artbymonimack's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
maddydaisy's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
ashlee_fuchs0530's review
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lexyg's review
4.0
I love Rose! She’s the best part of this story, Rose and her stick!
Now, this book made me cry, it was hard and sad, and I know the ending it’s a happy one, but I think I was expecting something completely different, I don’t know.
Now, this book made me cry, it was hard and sad, and I know the ending it’s a happy one, but I think I was expecting something completely different, I don’t know.
ktdubz's review
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
guac_and_roll17's review
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
emflipspages's review
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Self harm, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, and Medical content